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Men's Soccer Sam Brief

Chi State Pod: Dr. Gideon Charles

Charles reflects on past, present, future of men's soccer program

When Chicago State men's soccer returns to the pitch for the first time in three decades, Dr. Gideon Charles knows he'll relish the moment.

"I will sit back in awe," Charles said. "I'm eager and excited and passionate about the first game at Chicago State University in over 30 years."

LISTEN: Dr. Gideon Charles on Episode 4 of the Chi State Pod:


Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Charles relocated to Brooklyn before enrolling at Chicago State as a political science major in 1986. Charles then joined the completely international men's soccer team.

"90 percent of the players were from Liberia or Nigeria," Charles said. "We had a level of camaraderie that made us come together. There were a vast array of individuals who educated me on life outside of America, particularly in Africa. That further encouraged me to study political science."
1980s Mens Soccer
Gideon Charles: No. 10, fourth from the right in upper row
Charles has furthered that passion — he now serves as an Adjunct Professor of Political Science at Chicago State.

On the soccer pitch, Charles played for three seasons and donned No. 10 in honor of Pelé, whom he reveres as the "greatest soccer player ever."

When men's soccer was discontinued as an official varsity sport near the end of Charles' tenure, the forward was "disheartened." But the team stuck together and continued to play locally in a club league at Jackson Park.

Now 30 years later, under the guidance of head coach Trevor Banks, men's soccer is staging a comeback as a Chicago State varsity team. When Charles heard that Elliott Charles (no relation) had joined the Cougars as Director of Athletics, he met with the new A.D. to talk shop.

"We had a lengthy discussion," Dr. Charles said. "I saw that he had a great vision to promote and advance Chicago State.

"Now, I'm looking forward to meeting so many of the players, so that I can engage them and see what we can do to put Chicago State back on the map."

In Episode 4 of the Chi State Pod, Dr. Gideon Charles expounds on his tenure at Chicago State. Click here to listen to Charles' vivid recollections of the team — and his fervor for what's to come.
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