From the moment Nick Ilsley stepped onto the iconic West Point campus, he knew.
The Andover High star saw the chance to not just fulfill his lifelong dream — to play bigtime college football — but also embark on a journey greater than himself, of selfless sacrifice, to defend his country with honor, as a member of the United State Army.
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“I’m sacrificing many things to better my future and make a name for myself and to serve my country,” said Ilsley. “I knew West Point was the place for me the moment I stepped on campus. I love everything it has to offer, from a top tier football program and brand new facilities, to prestigious historical landmarks on campus.”
Ilsley has committed to play football for Division 1 FBS Army West Point, before embarking on a career as an officer in the US Army.
“I’m extremely excited about choosing West Point,” he said. “Army is known as a tough, hard-nosed football team, which if you asked my Andover teammates they would tell you it’s a perfect match for my playing style. West Point is known as a Leadership institution, and I’d like to consider myself a leader not only on the football field but in the community.
“Then I will graduate from West Point as a second Lieutenant where I will serve my country as an officer in the United States Military. I’m a proud American and have always been patriotic. I’m looking forward to where this route takes me in life.”
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Ilsley delivered a breakout senior season for Andover this past fall. After moving from cornerback to safety, Ilsley grabbed a team-best four interceptions, knocked down five passes and made 39 tackles. As a receiver he caught 20 passes for a team-high 360 yards and five touchdowns. That all while leading the Golden Warriors to a 7-4 record and earning All-MVC honors.
“This is a tremendous honor and an incredible opportunity for Nick,” said Andover head coach Jay Fielding. “It will certainly be an intense challenge (at West Point), but we fully support his decision and couldn’t be prouder of him. Over the past several months, Nick has drawn significant attention from college programs, receiving multiple opportunities at the FCS level as well as the option to pursue a postgraduate year.
“Recently, when West Point reached out to invite him on an official visit, it was truly special. Nick was blown away by everything that West Point offers — not only the outstanding college experience, but also the leadership development and lifelong opportunities that come after graduation. We’re excited for what lies ahead and grateful for everyone who has supported him along the way.”
Ilsley will join an Army football program that began play in 1890. Last fall, the Black Knights went 7-6 in the American Conference, beating UConn in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl.
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“Playing Division 1 football has always been a dream of mine,” he said. “Ever since putting on a football helmet in the fourth grade, I knew football was for me. I’ll likely play safety for West Point, which I played this past season. I’ve always been a competitor that seeks the best competition, whether it’s playing baseball with the grade above me in Little League or committing to the highest level of collegiate football. I’m training not only to play FBS football but to be ready for CBT (cadet basic training) in July.’”
And while Ilsley knows there will be sacrifice involved, he’s ready for what enrolling in the military academy means.
“It was very tempting to follow my friends and go the traditional college route and have all the fun the people around me are going to have,” he said. “But I’m ready to sacrifice. USMA is not a school for partying or going out all the time, it’s a place where people mature as humans and are pushed to their limits. I’m looking forward to meeting my teammates and fellow cadets who I know will be lifelong friends of mine. Army is called “The Brotherhood” because of how close the young men are to one another. Beat Navy!”
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