Jacob Shane Gillen

Jacob "Jake" Gillen, a passioned soccer coach, devoted husband, and loving father, passed away on the afternoon of March 7, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Denver, Colorado. but moved to Kodiak, Alaska, at the age of one and later settled in Chugiak, Alaska.

Jake attended Chugiak High School, where he made the varsity soccer team during his freshman year. He played as a striker, contributing to the team's success and helping them win a state championship in his junior year. Jake was known for his commitment to teamwork and fostering a sense of unity among his teammates. He also played for the Chugiak Youth Soccer Club and the Goldstrikers. In 1997, he moved to Spokane, Washington, for his senior year and played for Ferris High School, helping to secure another state championship despite playing with a concussion.

Jake's passion for soccer continued as he played for Spokane Falls Community College before attending and playing at Concordia University in Portland. It was at Concordia that Jake met the love of his life, Angela Renzelman, during the 2000-2001 school year. They reconnected in 2004 and, after a long distance relationship, Jake moved to Seattle. He proposed to Angela in July 2005, and they married on December 30, 2005. Angela surprised Jake with a honeymoon trip to see Brett Favre and the Packers play the Seahawks at Lambeau Field, sitting in row 11 on the 50 yard line, fulfilling one of his bucket list dreams.

Before becoming a full-time soccer coach, Jake worked in the mortgage industry and as a personal trainer, owning his own personal training business and gym. In 2014, he started Beez Neez Gourmet Sausages – Seattle, a food truck that combined his love for soccer and cooking, providing opportunities for players to raise funds for their soccer trips.

Jake's coaching career spanned well over a decade with Seattle United, Washington Premier, and Highline Premier Clubs. He was passionate about developing players and creating a family atmosphere within his teams. Known for his humor and high expectations. Jake always emphasized that it was the players' team, not his. He had a unique tradition of refusing to be in team pictures unless there was a trophy, jokingly saying, "No hardware, no Jake."

Jake found joy in watching his daughters, Madison and Kaiya, grow up with a love for soccer. He opted to not be one of their coaches, but cherished the time spent with them on the field and was immensely proud of their accomplishments. This past February, despite his illness, as a family they took a winter break trip to Hawaii, where they had yet to go. Adding to the treasure chest of cherished memories together.

Jake had a deep love for dogs, especially his Golden Retriever, Mia, and his Rottweilers, Samantha and Lacey. They were a significant part of his and the family’s life. Jake's life; his passion for soccer, his love for his family, and his commitment to making a difference in the lives of those around him will be deeply missed. But, his influence will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and the countless players he coached. Jake is survived by his wife, Angela, his daughters, Madison and Kaiya; his parents, Jennifer and Scott; and his brother, Nathan.