Nick Gkionis

Nick Gkionis (born September 5, 1985, in Jackson Township, New Jersey) is a Cypriot/American professional soccer player currently playing for Belgian football club R.R.F.C. Montegnée. He signed with the club after playing as a defender for four years at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey, during which time he accumulated numerous awards and accolades, most notably first team All-America for Division III Men's soccer in 2006, his senior season.

Youth career
Gkionis began playing soccer at an early age with his older brother George in his hometown of Jackson Township, New Jersey. He played on a local team until the age of 16 where he started playing for Jersey Shore Boca, which allowed him to compete in the Super Y-League against teams such as DC United and FC Delco. During his club years, Nick was utilized as a midfielder. Ironically, he played midfield alongside his future college roommate while on Boca. Along with his future college roommate, he was also a teammate of Bohemian FC goalkeeper Chris Konopka.

Gkionis also attended Jackson Memorial High School and was a letterman in soccer and tennis. He collected 13 goals and 13 assists in his senior soccer season to help guide his team to the South Jersey Group 4 State Championship match, which they lost in penalty kicks to national powerhouse Shawnee High School.

Once in college, Gkionis played one season in the youth system of MLS club Red Bull New York (then Metrostars). Nick was a starting defender of the Metrostars side that won the 2005 New Jersey State Cup and reached the U19 North American Y-League Championship game, but lost in penalty kicks.

Collegiate career

"Gkionis attended Stevens Institute of Technology as a Chemical Biology major and a key player for the Ducks. During his career with the Ducks from 2003-06, Nick Gkionis developed into one of the top players in the history of the Stevens Institute of Technology men’s soccer program. In fact, as a senior, he was named a first-team All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. Gkionis was just the second player in program history to earn the award."

Starting in August 2007, Gkionis began working with Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information Brian Granata to provide an inside look at life on the road and life as a professional soccer player through a weekly blog entitled “Beyond the Pond.” Through this blog, Gkionis will discuss many of his experiences in Cyprus and recount his travels with the team. Nick's blog can be found on the Stevens Athletic Department website.

Pro career
Nick scored his first goal for his senior club MEAP Nisou on Sunday October 21st, 2007 in a 2-1 loss. By season's end, he appeared in 20 of the 26 matches the club contested in the Cypriot Second Division during the 2007-2008. He helped the club avoid relegation with his 3 goals during the campaign, as Nisou was able to remain in the 2nd Division by only a single point.

After going on trial with several English clubs in the offseason, he signed on to play with Belgian side R.R.F.C. Montegnée. His contract is non-binding, however, therefore the recent closing of the summer transfer window does not affect his ability to move to any clubs seeking his services.

Summer 2008
During the summer of 2008, Nick was invited to go on trial for various club's throughout England. The clubs included Crewe Alexandra, Barnsley Football Club, Accrington Stanley, and Chorley F.C..

Accolades
*All-America (1st Team) Division III Men's Soccer: 2006
*Skyline Conference Player of the Year: 2006
*All-Metro Region (1st Team): 2005-2006
*All-Skyline Conference selection: 2004-2006

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