Gallo Stars Behind the Scenes of Marquette Men's Soccer

Michael Gallo has been as important of a member as any on the Marquette men's soccer team for the past four years. The Winnetka, Illinois native was a talented high school prospect that hoped to make an impact for Coach Bennett's squad when he came to college. However, his playing career didn't go the way he'd planned.

A forward in high school, Gallo was switched between right and left back in practice. As he struggled to adjust to the new positions he was playing, he also suffered through injuries, including a couple concussions that kept him off the field. In the spring of 2017, Coach Bennett approached him about exploring a different role on the team.

"Coach B asked me if I wanted to be the team manager," Gallo said. "Initially, I was a little hesitant because I was worried about what the guys would think because I wasn't playing anymore. I eventually decided to do it because I loved my teammates and wanted to help the team in any way I could."

When asked about his role with the team, the senior jokes that he did 'a little bit of everything.' He attends every practice, game and team function. His responsibilities include ordering team meals, working with the training staff, helping keep of track of equipment, social media and serving as a liaison between the coaches and players.

"[Michael] Gallo has been crucial to the success of our team the past four years," MU head coach Louis Bennett said. "He's been so versatile in his skillset and helps out our team in so many different ways. We'll certainly miss him next year."

Bennett and the MU staff saw leadership and organizational qualities that they knew could be beneficial to the team. Although Gallo grew to be an integral part of the operational side of the team by the end of his time in Milwaukee, it took a bit for him to really settle into his new title and responsibilities.

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"When I first started, there was a period of time when I was getting a feel for my new role," Gallo said. "Over time, the other guys got used to me being the manager and the coaches started trusting me with more responsibility."

When the team went on the road, it was Gallo that made sure the team was all set from a logistics perspective. He made sure they had all the uniforms and equipment they needed. He also took responsibility for researching healthy food options in the cities they went to so the team can eat nutritious meals both before and after games.

"Going on the road with the team was one of my favorite parts about my role as the team manager," he said. "There was a lot of behind the scenes work that had to be done and I just wanted to show how valuable I can be to the team."

Gallo and the Golden Eagles fell short in the BIG EAST tournament on Nov. 9 to NCAA tournament-bound Providence to end their season. Although that game likely marked his last game on the MU sidelines, he has no regrets about how everything unfolded during his time with the team.

"I'm so glad that I stuck it out at Marquette," Gallo said. "This team is like a brotherhood, and whether you're the best player or the team or the worst player, everyone gets treated the same. It was truly one of the best experiences of my life."

Keep up with the Marquette men's soccer program through social media by following on Twitter (@MarquetteSoccer) and Instagram (@MarquetteSoccer) and `liking' on Facebook (/MarquetteSoccer).

Gallo Stars Behind the Scenes of Marquette Men's Soccer

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