Christian Heritage Academy (CHA) is pleased to announce the collegiate signing of senior soccer player Gleason Kee (Class of 2024) with Asbury University, a respected NCAA Division III institution in Wilmore, Kentucky. Kee, a versatile midfielder, will pursue a double major in Finance and Accounting while competing for the Asbury Eagles.
“I am so proud of Gleason and his accomplishments on and off the pitch,” said Lions’ Coach Jeff Cook. “His passion for the game is evident by his participation in off-season workouts, club teams, and our school team.”
Kee has been on the soccer field as long as he can remember, first playing with a YMCA rec league and working his way up to the elite level with Sockers FC Chicago, in addition to playing in the IHSA Lake Shore Athletic League with the CHA Lions since the team’s inception in 2020. Kee has enjoyed being an integral part of the team’s growth in the four years since.
Playing center mid, center attacking mid, and center defensive mid allows Kee to be connected and involved with everyone on the field. “When I’m in the middle, it’s my job to connect the defense with the offense and to constantly be aware of where the space is, which is something that I enjoy doing,” Kee said.
What made Kee choose Asbury? Kee was drawn to the Eagles’ solid team chemistry and desire to honor the Lord as they unite to compete as was clear during his campus visits. “Additionally, they had an amazing season this year, qualifying for the NCCAA Division I Men’s Championship in Florida,” said Kee.
He was also impressed with the personal attention he received from Asbury’s coaches Ben Andrews and John Greer. Despite an adductor injury that Kee sustained during the end of his high school season, which caused him to miss the majority of his club season, Andrews and Greer came alongside Kee to encourage him and were more than willing to bring him on to play after he heals. “The community at Asbury is unique and unlike anything I’ve experienced at other colleges I visited,” Kee said. “I know that Asbury is a place where I can grow not only as an athlete, but also as a student and a follower of Christ.”
Faith is important to Kee, and a significant verse in his life is Mathew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Kee desires to be a positive influence wherever he is and to use his talents to ultimately reflect the glory of God.
Kee’s foundation at CHA has prepared him well for this next chapter in life, particularly with the academic and spiritual growth that he has experienced. In addition to the teachers and coaches genuinely and heavily investing in their students, Kee references how CHA’s small size allows for students to know and support each other as they work together toward common goals, whether in academics, sports, or spiritual growth. Some of his best memories include homecoming soccer games with packed sidelines and the daily after-school practices with teammates.
“Gleason is not only technically proficient, but his tactical awareness makes him a valuable member of every team that he plays on,” said Cook. “We will miss his presence on our team, but we wish him well as he takes his game to the next level with the Eagles of Asbury University.”