Valley’s Galvin Goss is taking his talents to the Ivy League. The star safety and quarterback signed on to play at Columbia University in New York City on Friday. 

In front of a gym full of coaches, friends and family, Goss proclaimed, “Deciding where to continue my education and football career wasn’t easy…I’m eager to continue my work ethic, compete and make an impact on my new team. That being said, I am proud to say that I will be continuing my academic and athletic journey at Columbia University.”

Coaches and family both spoke about Goss and his journey to college ball. The common theme was his work ethic.

“Words can’t put what he means to us, what he means to our community, said head football coach Adam Hunter, getting emotional. “When he is in the classroom, when he’s on the football field, Glavin is going to give it 100 percent.” 

Goss started as a ninth grader. He played safety for his first three years of high school.

“He hadn’t touched a football on the offensive side of football in those three years, but we went to Galvin this year and asked if he would move the quarterback this year and play both sides of the football. He never slowed down. He took it. He ran with it,” Hunter said. 

Marshon Harper, Valley’s former defensive coordinator and head basketball coach, also spoke. 

“He came in to work hard every single day. A ‘Yes, sir, No, sir, kid.’ He was a part of us building the program back,” Harper said.

Goss’ dad, Wayne, spoke of all the hard work that went on behind the scenes to get his son to the signing table. 

“Arriving home after many late-night games, you would get a shower, eat, complete your homework, get up and do it again the next day,” Wayne said. “There was time I would walk in your room, and you were still working in the a.m.. That’s dedication, son, and that’s one of the transferable skills you’re going to need in this journey of life. Your mother and I are extremely proud of you.”

Goss had attention from other schools during the recruitment process. However, as many of the speakers highlighted, the safety excels in the classroom as much as on the gridiron. 

“[Columbia] was one of the schools that were reaching out pretty much every day, they stayed very consistent,” Goss said. “When I went up there, I just realized all the opportunities that it’s gonna open up.”

Going from Valley, Alabama to New York City will be an adjustment, but Goss aims to make an impact for his team as soon as he steps off the subway. 

“I’ve been around here my whole life and it’s way different. I am just ready for the experience.”

The Columbia Lion had some words of advice for young student-athletes who want to play a college sport. 

“Keep your grades, stay out of trouble. Work every day,” he said.