Soccer Dream Realized

Jack Gurr has always lived with high expectations.

He dreamed about playing soccer professionally while growing up in Newcastle, England. Those aspirations took him across the Atlantic Ocean to become a standout player for four seasons at Georgia Gwinnett College.

Now, the 2018 graduate has become the first Grizzly to sign a professional contract and is now getting his kicks with Major League Soccer’s Atlanta United organization. He’s in his rookie season with the Atlanta United 2 squad.

At GGC, Gurr scored 14 goals and tallied 22 assists while starting in 68 of the 71 matches played from 2014-17, earning all-conference honors in the process. His collegiate career started as a defender before excelling as a winger in the midfield, scoring 13 goals and providing 17 assists as a junior and senior.

That strong play caught the attention of the Atlanta United, which signed Gurr to play on the right side of the defense.

“I’m mainly playing right wing back as it is where I’m most effective, but I have played in every position in the back line this season,” he says. “I’m happy to help the team in any way. I’m 24 (years old) and we have a lot of youngsters on the team, so being able to share information and help them as much as I can is one of my jobs. That’s vitally important for the team.”

Gurr has started all seven of Atlanta United 2’s matches in the United Soccer League season. He has provided two assists.

“The first game (March 8) was a rollercoaster of emotions. I had some family members come from England to share that moment. That will be a memory I’ll never forget,” he reflected.

Georgia Gwinnett College has become one of the NAIA’s top teams since commencing the program in 2012. It has advanced to the national tournament in six of eight seasons, including three straight trips to the championship tournament site.

Gurr was a valuable member of the Grizzlies’ 2017 team that achieved the program’s highest NAIA national ranking and advanced to the quarterfinal round of the national tournament. GGC also won two of its five Association of Independent Institutions championships with Gurr in the lineup.

He also values being the GGC soccer program’s professional player and helping establish a pathway for current and future players to follow. 

“You don’t need to play at the big (NCAA) Division I teams to reach the professional level,” Gurr remarks. “GGC has a great program, with the best facilities in the country. The staff is fantastic and always pushes you to reach your potential. All the tools are at GGC. The key factor is how much a player wants (to be a professional) and how hard he is willing to work to get there."