Keller played for SASA for 6 years, culminating with a Presidents Cup championship in 2019. The defender from Jacksonville then made the jump to DII college soccer and started all 19 matches last season for UIS.  

“The jump from high school/club to DII was an increase in speed, hard work, and a harder mentality,” said Keller.  “As long as you come into college with a good attitude and ready to learn under your new coaches and establish relationships with your teammates and your coaches you will have fun.”

Keller says the SASA coaches who were his biggest influences were Pat Phillips and Jim Paoni.  “Playing under these two well-respected coaches taught me how to become smarter and think on the field while playing.”

“Playing against Pat in the CS8 showed me how good of coach he was because Springfield was competing for the title every year.”

“I credit Jim with my move to center back because he was the first coach to ever suggest it, and that is the position I play at UIS now.”

In his first season at UIS Drew not only anchored the defense, but he also scored 5 goals including game winners in back-to-back contests against Southwest Baptist and Drury. 

“SASA set me up to play in college because I played with other college level players and was coached by college level coaches.”

Check out Keller’s college roster page at https://uisprairiestars.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/drew-keller/2777