Grace Schulz: A Portrait of Passion and Growth on and off the Soccer Field

"Crush their hopes and dreams!"

It's a battle cry that will echo long after its creator graduates and leaves the Northland Preparatory Academy (NPA) girls soccer team.

"I said that freshman year before the state game, and it has stuck ever since," said Grace Schulz about the team's rallying cry she coined her first year. Her coach, Michael Blair, smiled as he referenced the team's mantra, noting how it summed up Grace's passion for everything she does.

Grace and the other ten NPA seniors were interviewed about their high school soccer careers, which is the resulting interview.

In the bustling world of high school sports, few stories resonate with the genuine charm and growth of Grace's journey as a senior midfielder for Northland Preparatory Academy's girls soccer team. Grace, venturing into adulthood at 17, weaves a story of passion, resilience, and self-discovery, transcending the boundaries of just a soccer player.

"When I'm not on the soccer field, I'm playing basketball and horn and enjoying video games," Grace said, noting her other passions.

Her entry into soccer, driven by peer pressure in middle school, blossomed into a commitment powered by love for the team dynamic. "I love the team atmosphere," she reflects, underlining the camaraderie that fuels her participation.

This sense of belonging and shared purpose shines through her appreciation of soccer. "I love being active and being able to be physical in games," Grace shares, highlighting the joy of movement and team engagement that soccer brings to her life.

However, the journey hasn't been without its challenges.

"The hardest thing for me is not being the best," Grace admits, revealing a vulnerability that is often masked by the competitive nature of sports. This acknowledgment isn't a sign of defeat but a testament to her growth. "I've had to learn that sometimes it's okay not to be the best. Just try your best while doing what you love," she adds, showcasing a mature perspective on personal growth and self-acceptance.

Grace's resilience is further evident in her battle with repeated ankle sprains. "I had to learn to push myself to come back and to be smart with outside activities," she explains, highlighting her determination and adaptability in the face of physical setbacks.

Beyond the field, Grace's life is enriched with familial bonds. "I have a niece named Tavi. She's really cute," she says with evident affection, adding a personal touch to her profile.

In reflecting on her journey, Grace offers sage advice for newcomers: "Stick with it and do not take the time with the team for granted," a sentiment born from experience and the realization of the fleeting nature of high school sports.

Her relationship with her twin sister, Stella, adds another layer to her story. "My sister is my built-in best friend," Grace says, illustrating a bond that transcends the usual teammate dynamics. Stella's role as a team manager and her support in taping Grace's ankles before games speak volumes about their mutual support system.

Looking back, Grace cherishes the love and escape the team provided during tough times, like the COVID-19 pandemic, and reflects on the self-awareness and confidence she gained through her experiences.

"I'm never going to forget the love I felt when I joined this team," Grace said. "I was kind of depressed because of COVID, but having this team felt like an escape from that. I will also never forget how amazing my team was this year. It was a blast!! I learned that I am much more capable than I think sometimes. For me, this win was really special because freshman year felt like it was handed to us, and then last year, I didn't really play much on varsity. This year, I felt like a bigger contributor to this win."

Coach Blair, who has witnessed Grace's journey from freshman to senior year, echoes her sentiments.

"Grace is all passion," he said, emphasizing her enthusiasm and energy as a cornerstone of her presence on the team. He notes her evolution from a frenetic freshman to a strategic senior, praising her maturity in channeling her passion effectively.

"Instead of running around in circles everywhere, she's actually more strategic and intentional about where she's putting that energy and what she's saying," Blair said.

Blair's hopes for Grace are rooted in her potential: "I hope she finds a place to focus her passion because if she channels that in the right direction, she will do some amazing things." His belief in her ability to make a difference wherever she goes shows her impact on those around her.

In the words of Grace Schulz:

•  "I love the team atmosphere."
• "The hardest thing for me is not being the best."
•  "I had to learn to push myself to come back."
• "Crush their hopes and dreams."
• I've had to learn that sometimes it's okay not to be the best. Just try your best while doing what you love,
• "Stick with it, and do not take the time with the team for granted."

In the words of Coach Michael Blair:

• "Grace is all passion."
• "She's actually more strategic and intentional about where she's putting that energy."
•  "I hope she finds a place to focus her passion because if she channels that in the right direction, she will do some amazing things."

Grace Schulz emerges as a passionate and resilient athlete whose journey in high school sports is marked by personal growth, a strong sense of team spirit, and a mature approach to challenges.

Her story is about overcoming physical and mental challenges, evolving from a passionate freshman to a strategic senior, and the profound impact of familial and team bonds on her development.

Grace Schulz is not just a soccer player; she is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the transformative nature of high school sports.