Partner with Purpose
by Caitlin Enright
Goal 13 will celebrate the partnerships that make its mission possible, recognizing the coaches, volunteers, sponsors, and community members whose support extends far beyond a single event. Their investment creates opportunities for young people, strengthens the community, and ensures Holden Trent’s legacy continues to inspire others. One of those partners is Goal 13 Board Member Josh Gillon.
Now entering his 13th season as Associate Head Coach of the High Point University men’s soccer team, Josh has spent his career helping young athletes develop both on and off the field. Inspired by the passionate coaches who shaped his own life, he believes a coach’s greatest responsibility is preparing players for life after soccer. The standards he asks of his team—discipline, accountability, resilience, and service—are qualities that extend well beyond the game and have guided his coaching philosophy for more than a decade.
Josh first met Holden fifteen years ago through the Olympic Development Program, where he coached Holden before eventually becoming one of his club coaches. From the time Holden was eleven years old until he graduated from High Point University, Josh had the unique opportunity to watch him grow—not only as a player, but as a young man.
Over the years, Josh saw firsthand the work ethic that made Holden stand out. He describes him as determined, driven, and someone who led by example every single day. His dedication to improving, combined with his ability to motivate those around him, made him a natural leader and someone younger players looked up to. While Holden possessed tremendous talent, Josh believes it was his character that left the greatest impression. He constantly put others first, held himself to a high standard, and approached every opportunity with humility.
Today, Josh sees those same qualities reflected throughout Goal 13. To him, the organization embodies the same selflessness and support that Holden brought to every team he was part of.
"The work Goal 13 is doing now is exactly what Holden was like as a teammate," Josh says. "It's about supporting others and helping everyone around you become better."
That commitment is one of the reasons Josh believes Goal 13 has such an important impact on young athletes. Beyond the mentor program and events, the organization reinforces lessons about leadership, service, and investing in others. It complements the values Josh hopes every player carries with them long after their playing days are over. Looking ahead, he hopes Goal 13 continues creating opportunities for young people to discover their purpose because, as he puts it, "Everyone deserves a chance at a successful life with purpose." This is what Josh believes makes Goal 13 so special. The organization serves as a touchpoint where the soccer community and the greater High Point community come together to celebrate Holden while investing in future generations. Whether it's the golf tournament or Community Cup, each gathering strengthens relationships and reminds people of the impact they can make together.
Josh encourages anyone considering getting involved to do so, whether through sponsorship, volunteering, or supporting an event. Investing in young people and the community, he believes, is always worthwhile, and every contribution helps expand Goal 13's reach. He also credits Annie B. for her unwavering commitment to carrying Holden's legacy forward, saying it has been incredible to watch the impact she has created over the years.
Josh's story reflects the heart of Goal 13. Meaningful partnerships aren't built through one-time acts—they're built through years of encouragement, shared purpose, and a commitment to investing in others. Through his coaching, mentorship, and continued support of Goal 13, Josh continues to help carry Holden's legacy forward while shaping the next generation of leaders both on and off the field.