Katherine McGraw '21 Recruiting Profile

My name is Katherine McGraw; I am a rising senior and will graduate from Portsmouth High School in 2021. I started playing soccer when I was 3 years old, so for as long as I can remember, soccer has been very important to me. Some of my best friends are teammates, and I have gained tremendous life lessons playing soccer.  Growing up as a military brat, I have moved several times.  Playing on different teams in California, Washington, and Rhode Island, I learned to play with teams of various skill levels and different team dynamics and personalities in very different communities.  Learning to navigate these differences to become a cohesive team and learning new coach´s style are skills that I´ve been able to translate to each team on which I´ve played from grade school, high school, and premier soccer clubs.  On the field, I represent my team through communication and leadership on defense, encouragement of teamwork, and provide motivation amid personal performance and team setbacks, an inevitable part of sports but crucial for a player and team growth.  

Over the 14 years I've played soccer, I have experienced so many memories that I want to build upon: winning championship games, being the underdogs and overcoming adversity, shootouts in the finals, and scoring my first goal. There are also bittersweet memories of the farewells of older girls and coaches you have looked up to as role models since day one.  All of these experiences make the game worthwhile and so close to your heart.

While playing soccer year-round on the varsity high school team, premier soccer club, and the Portsmouth town travel soccer league, I have also been able to participate in various other sports and activities including unified basketball, varsity track, and debate club. I also played competitive chess through middle school and still love to play a challenging opponent. Off the field, I volunteer at my church from alter serving to the clean up crew amid COVID-19, and represent Portsmouth High School as the single representative for the state student council group for Rhode Island.  I am excited to take my game to the next level and am looking for a program that will support my academic and athletic goals. The commitment, work ethic, and lessons on the soccer field helped me be successful in life so far, and I know they will be a great foundation as I further my education to fulfill my goal of playing soccer at the collegiate level and becoming a registered nurse.