Carmen Gradberg '24 Recruiting Profile

Academics and athletics has been a big part of my life at a very young age. Growing up with teacher parents and attending several sporting events to support my mother coach, sports have been part of my life. The early exposure for sports has become a way a life.I grew up playing basketball and was later recommended as a goalkeeper to a developmental team by a club coach due to my sure hands in basketball. I joined Illinois Fire Juniors as an 11U part-time keeper. I eventually worked my way to a full-time keeper by the end of my second year at Illinois Fire. I allowed 0.96 goals per game over 25 league games. In 26 tournament games over 2 seasons I allowed 0.45 goals. In the Spring of 2019, I recorded a tournament shutout in the Gold Tier, helping my team earn a first place finish. My coaches refer to my style of play as "fearless." I do not hesitate to take on a 1 v 1 challenge/breakaway. My coaches also refer to me as "The Brick Wall." I am currently in the middle of my 2019-2020 season playing as the full -time keeper on a 14U/15U team for Millennium FC. I am looking forward to resuming my goalkeeper training as well as regular season play once the "shelter in place" restrictions are lifted. I enjoy the camaraderie involved with sports and the friendships built with coaches, teammates, and opponents each season.