Jackson Gresham began cutting his friends’ hair in their high school classroom. As he improved and learned more, he decided to bring his clipping skills to the Lehigh men’s soccer team.
The first-year defender said his hobby has helped him meet new people and find his footing both on and off of the field. Gresham said he enjoys talking to his clients for the hour he tends to their appearance.
While adjusting to the physical demands of playing college soccer, Gresham has continued cutting hair, using it to meet people and build new connections.
Gresham arrived at Lehigh with years of experience and a lengthy list of high school accolades: he was named a United Soccer Coaches All-American, earned All-Region and All-State honors and was selected as the Washington Catholic Athlete Conference Player of the Year. He was also nominated for Maryland’s Gatorade Player of the Year.
His first few months at Lehigh have shown there’s more to him than what he accomplished in high school. He said the biggest difference between high school and college soccer is the physicality.
“Playing against older and bigger guys makes it challenging when you’re used to playing against people your age your whole life,” Gresham said.
Head coach Dean Koski said Gresham’s maturity and confidence were two qualities that immediately stood out to him during the recruiting process.
Since the start of the season, Koski said Gresham has continued to stand out because of his willingness to learn.
“He’s incredibly coachable,” Koski said. “He shows up every day with the right mentality and the right attitude, always looking for ways to improve and get better.”
Senior and fellow defender Landon Bealer said Gresham’s energy has made an impact on the defense group.
Bealer said Gresham is vocal, bringing energy to his own play, but also encouraging the defenders around him to play better and stronger. As a defender, Bealer said one of the pieces of advice he’s given Gresham is to trust his ability and, more importantly, himself.
“There was a reason that he was recruited, because he’s a good enough player to play at the collegiate level and at that level we want to compete at,” Bealer said.
Gresham said learning from older players is one of his main goals during his first season.
He said it’s obvious the returning players want to win.
“I’m looking to match their energy and contribute to the team however I can to push for the Patriot League Championship,” Gresham said.
The Mountain Hawks are trying to carry their success from last season into this one.
Koski said the team’s success last season came from a combination of their leadership, talent and culture. The team is building on these traits as first-year players continue to get settled.
Bealer said Gresham can continue helping the defense and the team if he keeps bringing the same energy and attitude he’s shown since arriving.
Arriving on the field with a new haircut doesn’t hurt either.
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