“The journey was long and confusing,” Sixth Former Quinn Gallagher said.
Gallagher’s recruitment process narrowed his search from an SEC (Southeastern Conference) football team to an offer from Columbia University.
“It is confusing and difficult because at the end of the day, [football recruiting] is a business, and you have to find the coaches that truly care about you,” Gallagher said.
One week, Gallagher’s phone could be going off with calls from coaches; the next week, it could be quiet. For a while, that bothered him greatly.
“I used to resent not getting the big offers,” Gallagher said. “But I realize now that I am in the perfect place at an Ivy League school, which doesn’t accept many transfers, so my spot is quite secure.”
Gallagher has competed in football since first grade, but only in his Form IV year did he believe he could reach the collegiate level.
“I forgot to have a great social life. I had friends, but I couldn’t put as much into the friendships as I should have.”
Quinn Gallagher ’26
“My first game during my sophomore year was against Imhotep, one of the best teams in the state at the time, and I learned I loved to compete against the best,” Gallagher said.
The journey involved early mornings, diet restrictions, and intense training.
“I sacrificed a lot of hours and time to focus on sleep, training, and nutrition. I was so focused on becoming the best athlete for most of my high school career,” Gallagher said. “I forgot to have a great social life. I had friends, but I couldn’t put as much into the friendships as I should have.”
Gallagher transferred to The Haverford School to chase the football dream, leaving his old school and the friends he grew up with behind.
“In the end, it’s all worth it,” he said.
“Take nothing that happens to heart, and continue to reach out to every coach that gives a chance, and push for your opportunity.”
Quinn Gallagher ’26
The athletic recruitment process was not solitary, though, as Gallagher’s family, friends, and team all contributed as much as he did.
“The people who helped me the most were my mother, father, personal trainer Antonio Davis, and many other people, too many to name,” Gallagher said. “The dream of going to college and getting to do what I love for the next four years. I can’t imagine my life without football, so I had to make it happen.”
Gallagher is ready for the next chapter of his career, one that features him as a student-athlete for the Columbia Lions.
“I am most excited to get to focus on my sport against the highest level of competition and get some of the best facilities in the world to train in every day.”
Gallagher stressed the importance of consistency.
“It is an everyday journey, and a few days off can set you back,” Gallagher said. “It is also a business. Take nothing that happens to heart, and continue to reach out to every coach that gives a chance, and push for your opportunity.”
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