April 19, 2019 -- This is a correction to a previous article about Gabriel Pewu. Gabriel Pewu is a Heights High alum ‘16, a student at Cleveland State University and a member of the school’s soccer team. This summer he will play with the Dayton Dutch Lions, a semi-professional soccer team. It was previously reported that the Dayton team is a professional soccer team.
He talked about why he chose to play for DDL FC he said, “I believe in Coach Dan Griest’s style of play and the organization itself to win another Conference Championship. I want to be a part of a winning organization and I believe that I can help accomplish that goal with the team.”
Head Coach Dan Griest is excited to add Gabriel to the squad for the 2019 Summer. “He is a forward with tremendous size and pace with a tremendous ability to hold up balls in the final third and combine to create chances. He also possesses the ability to play numerous roles, which should prove tremendously useful as we push to repeat as champions. I think his work ethic and commitment will lead to very big things this summer and I look forward to working with him,” he said.
After Gabriel plays the summer for Dayton, he will return to CSU to complete his senior year, majoring in Business Management & Labor Relations. After graduation, he hopes to play for a professional soccer team.
During his 2018 season at CSU, he played 15 games for the Vikings, starting 13 and scoring 6 goals.
Gabriel has fond memories of Heights High. “One of my favorite classes was American Sign Language.” He also has fond memories of his time in athletic teams and other extracurricular activities. “As a member of the soccer team, I enjoyed playing and spending time with my teammates on and off the pitch. It was also an accomplishment that our team had the best regular season record in over 8 or 9 years.”
He was also a member of the football team, an ambassador for the Minority Student Achievement Network (M.S.A.N.), treasurer of the National Honors Society, a member of the band where he played the clarinet]and was a member of Tri-M, the music honor society.
When he reflected on his high school years, Gabriel said he wanted to recognize several teachers at Heights High. “I would like to thank Mr. Williams, Ms. Washington, Ms. Mccoy, Mr. Peake, Mr. Mrazek, Ms. Strine, Mrs. White, Ms. Strouth, and Mr. Stewart for making me the man and student I am today! They all continue to support me and I am very grateful to have them in my life.”
He also recognized several coaches to their role in his success. “I'd like to thank coaches Motsamai, Gleba, Tuggey, Sullivan, and Stephens. They helped me throughout my athletic career at Cleveland Heights High School and I wouldn't be playing at this level without their coaching.”