Off the Pitch with Garrison Tubbs

Ahead of D.C. United’s College Night on Saturday, Sept. 28 against Columbus Crew SC, meet Black-and-Red defender, Garrison Tubbs, a promising young center back who has played considerable minutes in his first season, tallying 15 appearances (seven starts) across all competitions.

The Wake Forest University standout and 2023 ACC Defensive Player of the Year has been called upon during key moments this season and has risen to the occasion. We sat down with the rookie defender to discuss his first D.C. United season and his thoughts on College Night.

D.C. United is hosting its annual College Night this weekend at Audi Field. You were a standout at Wake Forest and accumulated numerous academic and athletic honors. What was your experience playing college soccer and how did it prepare you for professional soccer?

“I had an extremely enjoyable college soccer career. I met a lot of people that I consider to be my best friends, and I feel like I’ll continue those relationships for the rest of my life. I believe college soccer creates a unique opportunity for a real brotherhood, and it’s an experience unlike any other. You get to the on the field things and I feel like the coaching staff at Wake Forest really prepared me and helped me with the skills needed to be a professional soccer player. They really molded me into the human I am today, qualities both on and off the field. I really enjoyed my experience.”

Can you share a memorable moment or achievement from your college career that stands out to you?

“The most memorable moment for me was when I was notified that I had won the 2023 ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Coach Muuss called me into his office and set a meeting, and usually when he sets a meeting, you get a little nervous. I was thinking, ‘what did I do wrong?’ I walked into the room, and he had a zoom call up on the TV with all the past Wake Forest players that have won the award along with my parents. I walked in not knowing what I was getting myself into, but he notified me that I’d won, and all the past players congratulated me there. It was a special moment for me, with my parents there. They have been there for my entire journey, so it was special for them to be there and be a part of the call.”

Any advice you would give your younger self or anyone that is trying to take the same path as you by playing college soccer then making it professionally?

“I would say go out every day and try your hardest. It’s a unique opportunity that not many people get. The college experience goes by extremely quickly and I felt like my three-and-a-half years at Wake Forest really flew by. I remember a lot of alumni say, ‘really cherish this time because it goes by quickly’ and I didn’t realize while I was there how quickly it would go by. Now looking back, it’s some of the best moments in my life and a really great opportunity to make the most of yourself. My advice would be to not take any day for granted. Every day will pose a new and unique challenge and how you get through that will determine your future.”

In your first season with D.C. United, you’ve played 15 matches across all competitions. How does it feel to have that much confidence from the coaching staff, and did you envision yourself playing that much right out the gate from college?

“It’s really great to have a coaching staff that fills you with that confidence. It’s all you can really ask for, especially as a young player. When they have that confidence in you, it makes it that much easier for you to have confidence in yourself. That has been amazing for me. And to be honest, I didn’t really know what to expect during my rookie season. I just come in every day with the mindset that I want to work as hard as I can and whenever my opportunity comes, I’m going to take it.”

What inspired you to start playing soccer, and who were your early role models?

“I kind of played a little bit of everything when I was younger. I played baseball, basketball, and soccer. My father played basketball and baseball in college. Soccer was another one my parents just threw in there. I’m pretty sure soccer is the earliest sport you can start as a kid so to get me active, they got me into soccer at the age of 3 or 4 and stuck with it. Over time, I realized that I enjoyed soccer more than the other two so I had to eventually quit the others to give more time to soccer. In terms of role models, I’d 100% say my parents for sure. Like I mentioned earlier, they have been part of my journey and by my side for my entire life. They’ve supported me in every single way and really sacrificed so much in their life to make my dream come true in terms of being a professional soccer player, so I can’t thank them enough.”

What does it mean to play for D.C. United and what has been your most memorable moment of this season?

“It means so much. The club has such a rich history; winning games and winning trophies. Creating an amazing legacy. Being a part of the club is something special and I want to do my part to get the club back to winning ways. My favorite memory so far would be making my Major League Soccer debut against Atlanta. Playing in my home city with my parents there, for them to be a part of that moment with me, is truly special. It’s something I will remember for the rest of my life.”

If you had a message to give to D.C. United fans, what would it be?

“Thank you for your support all season long and sticking with us through the good and hard times. Your support really drives us to keep going and fighting for you guys every single weekend. Thank you for everything you do for us.”