Joliet Junior College Soccer Coach Invited to International Camp in Belgium

Joliet Junior College (JJC) was represented in Belgium this summer when men’s soccer head coach Cris Trillo participated in Elite Week 2024, an international elite athletics camp at the International School of Brussels.

“It was a pleasure and honor to represent JJC at this elite summer camp in Brussels, Belgium,” Trillo said. “One of the reasons that the International School of Brussels invited me to participate in this camp was to do a presentation to the participants and talk about the different options and opportunities that international student-athletes have if they want to come to the US. They are familiar with the college and university system but not with what junior colleges offer as a way to reach their goals. So this event was a great opportunity to showcase JJC, its academic offerings and sports, its location and history.”

JJC admits students from all over the world and is no stranger to furthering international student-athletes' academic and athletic careers. Three players on the 2023 Wolves men’s soccer team are from Europe. The 2024 roster will include even more international players: four from Germany and one from the Netherlands.

“International student-athletes bring a high skill level and excellent work ethic to the team,” Trillo said. “They see this as an opportunity to get a good education and to compete at a very high level. It also benefits our local student-athletes who see their work ethic, which serves as motivation to elevate their game and their academic performance.”

The camp also provided Trillo with a chance to make connections and learn from other experienced coaches and athletic staff.

“I was impressed by the quality of coaches and presenters that participated in this event — from expert nutritionists to strength training coaches who work with Olympic Belgian athletes to ex-professional soccer players who are now coaches,” he said. “I also take away the passion, curiosity and desire to learn from the camp participants.”