By Jean DePlacido
Justin Geibel knew he wasn't ready to give up soccer after concluding a solid career at the the University of Vermont. So when a once in a lifetime opportunity presented itself to the former Masconomet Regional star, he decided to go for it.
Geibel will leave his Boxford home tomorrow to travel to Australia and play for the Brisbane Strikers, a semi-pro team. He comes highly recommended by his former Catamount assistant coach Ross Duncan, who used to play for the Strikers.
"He does some recruiting over there for UVM, and we talked about the team in Brisbane," said Geibel, who graduated with a degree in environmental science and was an Academic All-American at UVM. "Ross sparked my interest, then talked to the Strikers' coach (Stuart McLaren) about me.
"The Queensland Roar is the Division 1 team there, but they recruit from the (second division) Strikers, so the possibility to move up is always there. They play in the Queensland State League and travel around to cities like Adelaide."
Initially, said Geibel, he'll be paid a few hundred bucks a week, but that could increase depending on how he performs before the matches begin in January.
The Australian soccer season runs until May, but Geibel has a 12-month visa and plans to stay longer.
"If it works out I'd like to stay a couple of years, but that depends on the soccer," he said. "I'd like to get a part-time job, especially when the season ends. My goal is to find some work involving environmental science and use that as experience in my field."
Geibel was a walk-on candidate at UVM, but through hard work won a starting job for the Catamounts at outside midfield. During high school, he was a Cape Ann League All-Star and All-Eastern Mass at center midfield for the Chieftains.
This opportunity is something he has been thinking about for a while.
"I had the option of going out there last February, but was a little burnt out at the end of my senior season (at UVM) and was so close to graduating that I decided to wait another year," said Geibel.
"The national sport (in Australia) is rugby, so I anticipate a physical style. But from what I've heard, the soccer is comparable to our game."
Naturally, soccer is the primary reason Geibel has decided to go more than halfway around the world. But he's always had the itch to travel, too, and he feels he can get more out of the experience than just being on the pitch.
"Ross Duncan gave me confidence that this will be a good fit for me and that I should be able to play. There is always room for improving my game and moving up," he said.
Duncan was happy to help Justin take the next step in his career. He has a close relationship with his former team, and believes Geibel will fit right in.
"Taking this opportunity shows a lot about Justin's character," said Duncan. "To pick up and go somewhere he's never been and knows no one is hard, but I have no doubt this experience will help shape the course of his life.
"Justin will be one of the fittest and most technical players on the team, and that will serve him well. His work ethic and ability will earn him playing time and respect from his teammates. And there is nothing like playing soccer for a living."
Geibel has always been known for his relentless hard work and giving 100 percent at all times. Those traits will pay dividends wherever he goes.
Meet Justin Geibel
Hometown: Boxford
High school: Masconomet
College: University of Vermont
Currently: Going to Australia
Playing for: Brisbane Strikers Football Club
