A level-headed team player, whose soccer skills have graced him with a Brine California Collegiate Athletic Association Award, SF State’s 23-year-old George Nixon V’s love of the game keeps his competitve spirit alive.

“I've loved the game since I was 8 years old, and have been playing since,” Nixon said. “I love its challenges mentally {and} physically. It keeps me healthy and focused, not only for soccer, but for life.”

Nixon is originally from the mountain community of Bozeman, Montana. As the eldest of four, he was encouraged to believe in himself. With the loving support of his parents Nixon was also encouraged to nurture athletics as his true calling.

Before Nixon began kindergarten, his athletic interests and positive attitude was apparent. “I began to play ball with George when he was a toddler,” George Nixon Sr. said. “When I would get home from work, he would greet me at the door with his whiffle ball and bat!”

Nixon Sr., who currently manages construction projects in Anaconda, Montana remembers his son’s energetic early years that gave him, and George’s mother, Suzy Chambers-Nixon, dark-circled eyes in the morning.

“George was constantly challenging himself and his playmates with adventures and daring feats of every description. His energy seemed limitless,” Nixon Sr. said.

At age 12 Nixon had to choose between competing as a freestyle skier, or further develop his natural athletic skills on the soccer field. After a serious ski jump accident, Nixon began to focus his energy towards the soccer field. Soon soccer had captured his heart, and he and his family took Nixon’s athleticism on the road.

“George practiced five days a week and traveled every weekend,” Chambers-Nixon said. “I became a soccer mom, and took him and others all over the state of Montana, and to California, Nevada, New Mexico and Washington.”

To Chambers-Nixon, who manages an equestrian center, being George’s mother is a gift. She sees him as a superstar who brightens her life.

“I am very proud of George he has a great spirit about him. He loves life, and the experiences that life gives out,” Chambers-Nixon said. “His ability to rise in challenges is awesome to watch.”

As the years passed, Nixon decided to attend junior college in Santa Barbara, California where his soccer talents allowed him to play for two local club teams.

“I played soccer in college at Santa Barbara City College for two years under Cam Camerena, and learned a very Latin fluid style of play,” Nixon said. “I then moved to San Diego and traveled to Spain, and played in a couple of tournaments there. In San Diego I played for various club teams, San Diego Surf and Hotspurs.”

While hanging out at a party in Santa Barbara, Nixon met his girlfriend, 25-year-old Christina Hilfiker, and the two have been inseparable since. Hilfiker, who moved to San Diego with Nixon before the two uprooted again, and settled in San Francisco, is thrilled to be sharing her life with George.

“I am so proud of George. He's been working (training) so hard the past few months to prepare himself for the season. He was getting up at five in the morning to train like four days a week,” Hilfiker said.

As far as SF State soccer is concerned, Nixon, a junior midfielder, is determined to finish second to none.

“My goals for the season are to start strong and finish strong. I want our team to be a unit that is willing to do what ever it takes to get the job done,” Nixon said. “We have some hard lessons to learn, but if we learn them fast and adapt we will come out on top. The northern conference is up for grabs, and our team definitely has the talent to take it.”

According to Joe Hunter, SF State’s men’s head soccer coach of 10 years, having the confidence to win it all is only part Nixon’s influential attitude.

“George is the kind of guy that doesn’t get rattled, and he is very coachable,” Coach Hunter said. “He is a great addition to our team. He can play several positions, and he really wants to win.”

Although Nixon’s spirit belongs on the soccer field, his soul will always remain free.

“Besides soccer, I have some strong feelings about being a free thinker, ceasing the day and enjoying the moment,” Nixon said. “Be a free spirit and enjoy life to the fullest.”

It is Nixon’s freedom of thought, and gracious attitude that has given his soul wings, and will forever allow his family and friends to take pleasure in watching his talents flourish.

“George and I are very close he and I can talk about anything,” Chambers-Nixon said. ”We have no judgment for each others lives. One of his coaches said he was tree on the field and needed him to be the forest, {which} he certainly is now.”