Junior wide receiver Matt Gillen has earned first-team all-conference honors in back-to-back seasons. Recently, the Coppell native had a chance to sit down and speak with Tony Baldwin, assistant sports information director, about how he decided on Southwestern University and his role on the team.

Baldwin: How did you learn about Southwestern?
Gillen: I first heard about it through an email from one of the coaches. Then, they came on our campus and were looking for our coach's office and I happened to be the one to help them find it. They told me that they were there to talk to me. After that I became interested and then came to campus and loved it.

Baldwin: When you first saw Southwestern's campus, what caught your attention?
Gillen: In high school, I went to a big school but it had a satellite campus. So, I liked the size of Southwestern's campus. I liked how the school takes academics seriously. I knew if I decided to become a student-athlete here then I would receive the best of both.

Baldwin: How would you describe your abilities on the field?
Gillen: I think I would be described as having a high football IQ. I think I always know what is going on and what others should be doing during a play. I know what situation we are in and why we got there. I like to be reliable and a sound player. I want to be consistent for my team.

Baldwin: Which of the Southwestern defensive backs plays you the toughest in practice? Who is the toughest matchup for you to get open against?
Gillen: Our two best are Nik Kelly and DeeJay Johnson. They both have their own skills. DeeJay is big and lengthy. If you try to get into him, he will use his length against you. Nik has great speed. He may not be that tall but he can use that to his advantage as well. He can sit in your hip pocket.

Baldwin: How do you relax away from football?
Gillen: I enjoy a lot of podcasts. I enjoy talking to my friends and being around people. I also like to learn new things.

Baldwin: What is something that most people do not know about you?
Gillen: I am ambidextrous. I never know which hand to use on certain things. I write with my right hand, but I play golf with my left hand. I think my dominant hand is my left hand, but on the basketball court I can shoot with both.

– SOUTHWESTERN –