Gabriel Chillas
NCAA Division II – University of Alabama in Huntsville
Alabama
From: Inner City Sydney / Metro East Regional – Sydney NSW
Athletic Scholarship – NCAA Division II (Gulf South Conference)
The Journey
Gabriel Chillas is one of Upper 90 College's most technically decorated goalkeeper alumni – a Sydney-born shot-stopper with football experience across Australia, England, and Portugal, who went on to become one of the Gulf South Conference's most recognised goalkeepers at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). Born and raised in Sydney, Gabriel came through a rich football development pathway that included inner city Sydney's competitive football scene, representing the Metro East Regional team, and earning caps in England and Portugal before being placed by Upper 90 College at Grand View University in Iowa – and then transferring to UAH in Alabama, a powerhouse NCAA Division II program in the Gulf South Conference. At UAH, Gabriel's impact was immediate. In his sophomore season (2016), he was named the Gulf South Conference Defender of the Week after registering six saves in a 2-0 victory over West Alabama on October 28. In total, he recorded 23 saves across five appearances and earned his first collegiate shutout – a commanding performance that set the standard for the UAH goalkeeping position. In his junior year (2017), Gabriel continued to develop as a top-tier NCAA D2 goalkeeper, wearing the number 30 jersey for the Chargers. His international football experience across three countries and his Sydney roots made him one of the most uniquely prepared athletes to come through the Upper 90 pathway.
Challenges Overcome
Having played football in Australia, England, and Portugal before arriving at UAH, Gabriel had the experience to adapt to the high-tempo NCAA D2 Gulf South Conference environment. Recording 23 saves and a shutout in his sophomore year demonstrated the elite technical quality Upper 90 identified when placing him in America.
Achievements
Gulf South Conference Defender of the Week (October 31, 2016). 23 saves and 1 shutout in sophomore season at UAH. Inner City Open Age School Sydney Regional Champions. Inner City Regional Futsal Champions. Metro East Regional representative.
"From Sydney to Alabama via England and Portugal – the Upper 90 pathway connected my football journey in ways I couldn't have planned."
— Gabriel Chillas
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