Athlete of the week: Jac Gould

JULIA TIERNAN/YH

In a dominating performance, Gould netted all three goals for the Elis. Gould's feat was no surprise to those who know him as a player who brings a lethal combination of speed and skill to the game.

After spending the summer playing for his hometown club team and helping them to the under-19 national championship, Gould is in form and ready to lead Yale's team back to the top of the Ivy League and into the NCAA Tournament.

Last season ended in disappointing fashion with a loss to Princeton that cost Yale the Ivy crown and spot in the NCAAs--this abrupt end to last season has been on Gould's mind since then.

He remarked that it was especially tough being "that close [to making the tournament]" and not ending up there. He expressed his frustration with last season and the thigh injury that sidelined him for much of it. Judging by the numbers he put up last season, though, one wouldn't guess he had sat out any games. In 1997, Gould scored eight goals, had three assists, and was voted first team All-Ivy.

Looking back at last season, one has to wonder what Gould could have done without any injuries holding him back. As long as he stays injury-free, it seems like it's only a matter of time until he passes Yale's single season scoring record of 17--a mark that has stood for nearly a half century. An unselfish player, Gould said he'd "try to keep [the record] out of mind. If it happens, it happens."

As to whether he ever feels pressured to lead the team and to be the one to net the winning goal, Gould expressed confidence in his teammates. "There are ten other guys out there who can do the same thing," he said.

Gould is surprisingly modest about his accomplishments. He's been an essential part of Yale's offense since joining the team. He made an immediate impact his freshman season, tallying six goals and one assist on his way to becoming a second team All-Ivy selection.

Gould's number of career goals to date, 19, also put him on pace to overtake the school record for career goals (33). A two-sport varsity athlete, Gould was one of Yale's top sprinters during last year's indoor track season.

Gould is unsure whether he will continue his soccer career after Yale and take his game to a professional league. Still, his natural athletic talent combined with his determination and humility may prove to be more than enough to carry him to the next level.

--Sara Sani

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