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Gray will suit up for the Lady
Crusaders again in 2008 before heading to Wheaton College in the fall to begin her collegiate
soccer career.
MPS was privileged to sit
down with Gray recently and get her views a number of different topics.
1)
Jessica, How long have you played in the MPS Player Development System?
I have played with MPS for
four years.
2) You have
committed to
Wheaton
College for 2008. How were you recruited to play college soccer?
The coach for Wheaton had
seen me play at various showcases that I had participated in with MPS. He
emailed me and expressed his interest in me as a player after the PDA tournament
the club attended in May.
3) How has
playing at MPS aided in your development as a player and helped you achieve the
goal of playing in college?
MPS offered exposure to some
of the best competition in the nation which allowed me to face opponents that
could only make me better. Through the constant challenges handed to me and the
push to always perform at the highest level, MPS has developed me into the
player I am today.
4) You have
had a fantastic High School soccer season at Sacred Hart, winning a host of
accolades. How did you enjoy the season?
I absolutely loved this
season. We had an incredible team chemistry that led to a successful year. We
all became really good friends so we continue to hang out even though the season
is now over. It was definitely a season and a team I'll never forget.
5) You were
part of the MPS Lady Crusaders U17 side which won the
US
Club Soccer National Championship in 2007. Explain how that felt?
Winning the National
Championship was an incredible accomplishment. It was relieving and exciting to
know that the team's hard work had finally paid off, resulting in a huge
achievement.
6) You have
played under MPS Renegades First Team Coach Darren Gallagher at youth level.
How has this contributed to your player development?
He helped me develop into a
technically sound player with an understanding of my position in several
different situations. I'm more aware of everything that's going on around me
while still maintaining a focus on my main job. I feel much more comfortable
being thrown into any situation and immediately adapting to the scenario on the
field.
7) What are
your goals for the 2008 season as part of the U18 Lady Crusaders?
My main goals are to
maintain my soccer skills and stay sharp on the ball, while getting into shape
so I go to my college pre-season fit.
8) What are
your soccer goals going into your freshman year at
Wheaton in
Fall 2008?
I want to be an impact
player right away at Wheaton, but also continue to get better.
9) You have
won many academic awards during your High School career. Do you have any career
path in mind entering college?
I'm interested in public
relations / communications, but I'm not absolutely certain as to which career
path I want to follow in the future.
10) Finally,
who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
My biggest influence is my brother, Jason. He is a
junior at WPI playing soccer. He is the one who first got me into playing soccer
as a kid.
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