Hey! I’m Gavin Pilato.
I’m a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, with a Bachelor’s in Data Science, Magna Cum Laude. Thank you for visiting my website! Feel free to use the contact form to get in touch with me, or simply shoot me an email at gavinpilato@gmail.com and I’ll get back to you shortly! In the meantime, feel free to take a look around, and if you’d like to learn a little bit more about who I am, you can keep reading this page. Thanks!
Education
I had the unique privilege of being homeschooled as I grew up, and this provided me with a whole host of opportunities. However, perhaps the most beneficial one was the ability to participate in a Dual-Enrollment program with Stanly Community College. This allowed me to take college classes whilst in High School and the credits counted for both. Thanks to this, I was able to earn my Associate in Science Degree and my High School Diploma at the same time!
I maintained a 3.96 GPA at Stanly, made the Dean’s List in Fall 2019, and the President’s List in the remaining three semesters. (Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021) Upon reaching the end of my time at Stanly CC, I applied to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I had grown up around the UNC Charlotte campus, and I had visited it many times. The campus is beautiful, and several people in my family were alumni, so I was excited to begin my studies!
I entered with some indecision over my career path and spent my first year exploring possibilities, but shortly thereafter, I learned about the UNC Charlotte School of Data Science – the first School of Data Science in the Carolina’s! This is where I found my passion and my drive. I held a Major GPA of 3.90 and have made the Chancellor’s List thrice. (Spring 2022, Spring 2023, Spring 2024) I completed my Bachelor’s of Science in Data Science in May 2024.
Now, I’m proud to say that I’ve been admitted to an Online Master’s in Analytics Program at the Georgia Institute of Technology where I expect to graduate in 2026!
Work
Aside from my educational pursuits, I also work as a Soccer Referee at the Semi-Professional and Collegiate levels. I am certified with the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) as a Regional Referee, the North Carolina High School Athletics Association (NCHSAA), and the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (NISOA). I’ve pursued this passion relentlessly, and I’ve learned that there is infinitely more to the job than I could have ever imagined!
The job that one does as a referee truly is perfect preparation for life. As a referee, I must make accurate and impartial decisions in a split second, communicate those decisions to all participants, and manage the emotions of players and coaches throughout the game. I’ve learned how to stay calm even when others are losing control, what I can say and do to diffuse or divert anger and frustration, and how to address misconduct and poor behavior.
Being a referee brings me so much joy, and it has allowed me to meet incredible people, travel amazing places, and have some truly unforgettable experiences. In 2021 I was awarded the Paul M. James Young Referee of the Year (Male) Award by the North Carolina Soccer Referee Association, and the North Carolina Youth Soccer Association. I have also had the privilege of officiating a State Cup Final, being 4th Official on two Adult State Cup Finals and a Semi-Professional Regional Final, and a host of other opportunities, including an NCCAA Regional Final, and a NJCAA National Semi-Final
The last aspect of my work experience is in regard to the Carolina Referee Organization. CRO is the premier referee assigning, education, and advancement program in North Carolina. Having been trained under several CRO mentors, I was ecstatic when I was offered the chance to work for them as an Administrative Intern. In this position I managed the NC Youth Soccer Assn. suspension database, and assisted with the processing and notification of misconduct-related suspensions across the state. I also coordinated referee operations at CRO-Assigned tournaments, and supported the CRO Executive Staff with invoicing, training initiatives, and referee management for the hundreds of officials who work with us.
Personal
Well, if you’ve cared to read this far, I suppose I should tell you about a few other aspects of my life! I have an awesome family. We’re also a very musical family! Every one of us plays an instrument and sings. I’ve played guitar since I was nine, I know my way around a piano, and I also play a bit of mandolin. I love to listen to music, play music, and write music.
My father is a Senior Principal Software Engineer at digital.ai, a graduate of UNC Charlotte, and a guitarist and Worship Leader for our church. My mother is a home educator, singer, and casual pianist and piano teacher. My younger brother is a student at UNC Charlotte in Computer Science, an unbelievably good drummer, and also a passionate composer. Lastly, my younger sister is going into middle school and consistently impressing us all with her knowledge and drive to learn everything.
Thanks for reading, and feel free to get in touch any time!
