NAOTB: Grace McClellan

Each week, McKinzie Green of 12thMan.com checks in with a newcomer on the Texas A&M soccer team.

This week goalkeeper Grace McClellan, a transfer who won an NAIA National Championship and earned NAIA All-America accolades at Keiser University after starting her career at LSU, talks about coming to Aggieland.

At what point in the recruiting process did you decide to come to Texas A&M? 

“It was later in my process. I was about to decide to commit to another school and then Coach G reached out to me, and things moved really quickly.”

What was the deciding factor?

“This program was everything I was looking for. I wanted to go to a school that was going to have a championship culture and also push me to play professional, which is my ultimate goal. The resources here are incredible as well. I just knew that I would have everything here in order to be successful.”

Throughout your career thus far, what would you say is your fondest moment?

“Definitely winning a national championship at Keiser University. That was the most amazing experience.”

What is your goal for this season? 

“To win championships. On the wall as you walk into our locker room, it says ‘College Cup.’ That’s our goal. I want to be the best player I can be to push this team to win an SEC and national championship.”

Is there anything specific the coaches have been working on with you? 

“As a goalkeeping corps, we’ve been working a lot on crosses, distribution, and breakaways. Those are all really big parts of the game, especially in the SEC.”

What did you like about Texas A&M on your visit?

“I was so blown away by all the traditions. I thought it was such an amazing thing to be a part of and the culture here is one of a kind. I could just tell that everyone here was so nice and welcoming. But I think most importantly, it was the resources and support that the team gets. I love the support staff here.”

Are you excited to play in front of the 12th Man? 

“I’m super excited to play in front of the 12th Man. When I was on the opposing team while I was at LSU, I got a little taste of the energy that the 12th Man brings. I can’t wait to have that behind us. I know that the energy from the crowd is going to fuel us. It makes the games really special.”

Who in life is your biggest inspiration?

“My parents because they have sacrificed so much for me. They have always inspired me to never give up and to keep pushing hard even when things get tough and to keep chasing my dreams.”

What are your career aspirations after graduating college?

“I want to play professional, that’s first and foremost. I’m getting my Master’s in Entrepreneurial Leadership and I want to get into investing and real estate while I’m still playing. But the most important thing on my mind is playing professional soccer.”

What would you say your strengths are as a player? 

“My leadership and ability to get a team to work cohesively. I have really great long-range and short-range passing and my shot-stopping capabilities are pretty good.”

What is the main difference you’ve noticed between elite club soccer and collegiate soccer? 

“There’s more attention to detail to everything. Everyone on the team is giving it their all each practice because we know how slim the margin is when it comes to winning and losing.”

How much did you know about Texas A&M before you transferred?

“I knew a little bit because I know several of the goalkeepers that previously played here. A&M has always been on my radar, especially since I played on the opposing team while I was at LSU. So that was my first experience on the campus. I’ve been watching them play for about six years, but I didn’t know about the traditions and the culture until I came on my visit.”