REDDING, Calif. - The World Cup is well underway and Simpson Men's Soccer's Gary Weaver is very familiar with the United States National Team.

Weaver, the Red Hawks' assistant coach, spent much of his youth competing in National Team Gear. He began his journey through the Olympic Development Program. From there, he made the California North State Team and the West Regional Team. 

"To be able to play against top level competition in the U.S. National Team uniform was a life changing experience for me, one that I will cherish for the rest of my life," said Weaver. "I was introduced to professional coaches and players, including players on the senior men's national team."

After his stint with the US Youth National Team, Weaver said he experienced a burnout and took a break from the sport. However, after high school, he decided to play again was was offered a scholarship to play at Simpson, three years after he had last played.

Weaver mentioned his love for not only the game of soccer, but for the school as well saying "It was here where I fell back in love with soccer. I'm grateful for Simpson being a big part in my rediscovered passion for the game. It blessed me with the opportunity to play and now currently coach. This soccer program and university means a lot to me."

When it comes to coaching, Weaver credits a lot to his time playing. He said it taught him to "be professional and do it with pride, passion and respect." 

"Watching team USA play especially in the World Cup always brings me so much pride and joy. Looking back at it, it still blows my mind that I can say at one point I was one of the top soccer players in my age group in the country," said Weaver. 

To him, though, the greatest thing to come from his journey is to be an example and show kids that they can do it too.