Grace Rich '25 Recruiting Profile

Hello, my name is Grace Rich. I am a senior at Bainbridge High School in Bainbridge Island, Washington. My soccer journey began in mini kickers and recreation leagues at three. Because I loved the game, my parents supported me joining a competitive team at Lamorinda Soccer Club in Moraga, CA. We chose Lamorinda because the club prides itself on its fast-paced possession style and the development of players' game IQs. Lamorinda and this style has been instrumental in shaping the player I am and the kind of person I’ve become. The club encouraged my leadership and rigorous work ethic, which is especially important for me today. After nine years with Lamorinda, at 15, I moved to the Seattle area. 

After the move, I joined Bainbridge Island Soccer Club where I have competed for the past 3 years. During the high school season, I play for the Bainbridge High School Varsity team. During my freshman year, I was voted to the second-team all-league and was a starter. In my sophomore year, I took more of a leadership role in the center back position helping direct my teammates and encouraging a tireless work ethic. That season I earned a 1st team All-League award, a 1st team All-West Sound award, and a 2nd team All-State award. Along with those awards decided by various coaches in the area, my teammates elected me as captain (junior and senior year) and the team MVP (sophomore, junior and senior year).   While soccer is ultimately about competition, I love the sense of community and friendships that I have gained along the way. 

In the early years, I spent my time playing basketball, volleyball, water polo, and swimming. Being a multi-sport athlete has always been important to me which is why I currently play soccer and water polo. The combination of multiple sports allows me to gain strength in other areas, avoid burnout, and prevent injury. Water polo has allowed me to continue to challenge myself physically and mentally while also increasing my overall sports IQ. I am proud to say that my high school water polo team has been a top-three state contender for the past three years and that I was elected as a captain during my sophomore and junior seasons. To me, this exemplifies how my leadership abilities also expand outside the realm of soccer. 

If I’m not on the field or in the pool then I can be found at Model UN conferences, refereeing soccer games, or coaching young kids in water polo. I value academics just as much as my athletics, and I enjoy trying to challenge myself with various honors and AP classes while maintaining a 4.0 unweighted GPA. 

I am now in the phase of looking for a college program that prioritizes intense work ethics, intelligence on the field, and technical abilities so I can continue my athletic and academic endeavors. Thank you for taking the time to consider my profile. I look forward to learning about your program. 

Sincerely, 

Grace Rich