Volunteer Spotlight: The Gilbert Family

By Caitlin Enright

Goal 13 is celebrating the people whose generosity and commitment continue to carry Holden's legacy forward. Through this month's Volunteer Spotlight, we're recognizing the families whose support extends far beyond volunteering at events. Their investment in the mission is rooted in relationships, shared values, and the belief that one person's life can continue to inspire countless others. Few families embody those ideals more than the Gilbert family.

For Ellen, Tom, and their son Thomas, Goal 13 represents far more than an organization they support. It is deeply intertwined with years of friendship, a shared love for community, and firsthand memories of the determination that defined Holden's life. Their involvement has grown naturally over time, fueled by a desire to honor someone they knew personally while helping future student-athletes pursue dreams of their own.

Outside of Goal 13, the Gilberts describe themselves as a boisterous, energetic, and fun-loving family. Whether they're gathered around a board game, traveling to the mountains, or spending time together at the beach, they value opportunities to simply enjoy each other's company. That same spirit of togetherness has carried over into the way they support Goal 13, making their volunteer work something they experience as a family.

Their connection to the organization began long before Goal 13 was ever established. More than twenty years ago, Ellen moved to Greensboro, where she met Annie B through work. Over the years, their friendship grew, and Ellen also had the opportunity to teach Holden. Watching him grow both in and out of the classroom gave her a unique perspective on the character that so many people now celebrate through Goal 13.

Their relationship continued to deepen as Ellen later joined Annie B in supporting Tackle, an organization Annie B founded to advocate for students who needed additional support and accommodations in the classroom. Together, they worked to help families navigate educational resources and ensure children received the services they needed to succeed. Long before Goal 13 existed, Ellen witnessed Annie B's unwavering commitment to serving others, making it no surprise to see that same passion become the foundation of a new mission.

That commitment became even more personal during one of the most difficult moments imaginable. Ellen was at the hospital when Holden was on life support, standing beside Annie B as she began envisioning what would eventually become Goal 13. Looking back now, Ellen continues to be amazed by what has grown from such heartbreaking circumstances.

"She has taken an idea, and I am in awe of what she has done in the past year and a half," Ellen said. "Her determination and drive have been incredible."

For the Gilbert family, supporting Goal 13 has never simply been about helping at events. It is about continuing a legacy that deserves to be shared and ensuring Holden's values continue to impact young athletes for years to come.

When the family reflects on Holden, one characteristic consistently stands above the rest: his tenacity. Thomas describes Holden as someone who was incredibly stubborn, but in a way that fueled his success. Once Holden set his mind to something, there was very little that could stand in his way. His determination wasn't just evident on the soccer field—it shaped every challenge he faced and every goal he pursued.

Tom believes that same relentless work ethic is one of the reasons Holden continues to inspire others today.

"I try to live vicariously through Holden," Tom said. "To see his commitment to what he wanted to achieve is inspiring, and Goal 13 is giving that inspiration to other athletes who need it to further achieve what they want to achieve."

While Holden's accomplishments as an athlete were impressive, the Gilbert family hopes people remember something even more important: the way he treated others. Ellen recalls how naturally Holden encouraged those around him, especially people who simply needed someone to believe in them. Whether welcoming international soccer players into his home or supporting teammates chasing their own dreams, he consistently invested in the success of others.

"Holden actually lived the same values that Goal 13 has," Ellen said. "He didn't just talk the talk—he walked the walk."

Tom also remembers the friendships that surrounded Holden. He describes a close-knit group whose bond extended well beyond soccer, reflecting the genuine relationships Holden built throughout his life. Those same relationships remain visible today in the community that continues to rally around Goal 13.

That lasting impact is what motivates the Gilbert family to stay involved. For Ellen, seeing something hopeful emerge from unimaginable loss has been one of the most meaningful parts of the journey.

"To have something positive come out of such a tragic story is very uplifting," she said.

Today, Goal 13 represents inspiration, commitment, and the opportunity to help young athletes pursue their own dreams. Every scholarship awarded, every volunteer who gives their time, and every supporter who believes in the mission helps extend the legacy of someone who lived with extraordinary determination and compassion.

Among the family's favorite memories has been volunteering at the annual Goal 13 Golf Tournament. For Tom, what stands out most isn't simply the event itself but the people who make it possible.

"Everybody came together, and we were all like friends," he said. "Everyone was helping and supporting the mission."

Watching so many volunteers willingly step in to do whatever was needed reinforced what makes Goal 13 special. The tournament isn't simply about raising money—it's about building a community united by a shared purpose.

For Ellen, one of the most memorable moments came later that evening.

"The evening of the golf tournament was a true celebration," she recalled. "You felt him in the room."

That feeling of togetherness serves as a reminder that Holden's presence continues to be felt through the relationships, generosity, and opportunities his legacy has created.

As Goal 13 prepares for its annual golf tournament and evening celebration, the Gilbert family hopes even more people will join in supporting the mission. For them, continuing Holden's legacy means remembering not only what he accomplished but how he lived with grit, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to reaching his goals despite adversity.

"We want his legacy to continue because of the grit that this kid showed and the adversity that he faced throughout his life," Ellen said. "He had a goal, and he reached it."

Tom points to one image that perfectly captures Holden's lasting influence: after his passing, soccer players from around the world wore Holden's number 13 in tribute. For him, it was a powerful reminder of how many lives Holden touched and how connected the soccer community truly is.

The Gilbert family's story reflects what Goal 13 continues to stand for—legacy, generosity, and the belief that one person's life can inspire countless others. Through years of friendship, service, and unwavering support, they continue helping ensure that Holden's impact reaches the next generation of student-athletes, proving that a legacy built on kindness, perseverance, and generosity only grows stronger with time.

Drawing by Thomas Gilbert, gifted to Goal 13 founder Annie B. Carter following the passing of her son, Holden.