Keyshawn Gist is improving on and off the field one day and one play at a time.
Being the youngest player on teams, he’s played for made him work harder to prove himself. He plays the game his mom, two brothers, and all the coaches that he had over the years.
“I’ve lived in Bellwood my entire life. Growing up, it was kind of rough, but football and my mentors kept me in order. Bellwood means everything to me. It’s where I met all my friends and first started playing football.” Gist said about his hometown of Bellwood, Illinois.
He had no scholarship offers coming out of high school due to academics, but he is trying to change that part of his game as a student-athlete. This past spring semester, he finished with a 3.5 GPA.
“I’m interested in Guidance counseling because it gives me the platform to give adolescents hope for the future.”
“Perseverance is everything. Never count yourself out without trying. Stay on top of your grades and work hard on and off the field it counts.”
West Hill College and Keyshawn Gist found one another because his cousin played at West Hill a season before him. A relationship between Gist and West Hill Falcons Head Coach Justin Berna blossomed after he saw Gist’ film.
“Coach Berna proposed an opportunity to earn an education and help me develop as a man and player,” Gist said about what sold him on West Hills College.
Looking at Keyshawn Gist on film, he gets off the ball very well. He has a high motor and good speed off the edge as a pass rusher and good sideline to sideline speed at 6’1, 260 pounds. He finished his freshman season with 40 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, one pass breakup, and one forced fumble. Check out his highlights.
“As a football player, I’ve become more serious about my game and studying film to get more familiar with in-game situations. As a person, I am becoming more focused on my goals and aspirations.”
He hopes to gain more knowledge in different areas of life and football. He wants to have a platform to show his talents to the world.
“Nothing is given to you. A team is much stronger than an individual. To win a championship, we have to come together and play for one another.”
