Gill heading to St. Anselm

St. Mary’s High soccer standout Joe Gill is heading to St. Anselm College.Gill, who played on the varsity since his freshman year, was co-Most Valuable Player in the Catholic Central League this year in addition to being an Item all-star.”I couldn’t be happier for Joe,” former St. Mary’s boys soccer coach Al Jackson said. “He works hard. He’s one of those kids who does everything right. He’s always looking out for other people.”Jackson said he’s known Gill since he was five years old and serving as the team ball boy when his uncle, the late Kevin Roach, was a coach in the program.”He’s a great leader and a fantastic kid,” Jackson said.Although Gill has been invited to attend soccer tryouts in August, he said he’s not sure if he’ll try to play his freshman year. Gill said he plans to major in political science. Earlier this year, Gill blogged for The Item from President Barack Obama’s inauguration – an experience that he said fueled his interest in politics. He’s already building his resume for public service, having been elected vice president of his class.Gill has worked for Camp Fire in Salem for the past six years and he plans to do so again this summer. He’ll also be working a soccer clinic at the YMCA in Peabody next month, and as an umpire, he’s a fixture at the ballpark during the summer.”I’ve been fortunate. I’ve had a lot of people around to give me that little push, to motivate me,” he said, citing Jackson’s influence in particular.