Wilshire to get her kicks at Concordia Wisconsin

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, February 14, 2019 | 7:33 PM

Grace Wilshire has played soccer since she was 3 years old, and she will continue her career at Concordia Wisconsin.

The Redeemer Lutheran senior signed her national letter of intent Feb. 8.

“I choose to commit to Concordia because when I visited there everyone was very welcoming, and they have the program I want to do,” Wilshire said.

“When I met with the soccer coach, he was very nice and welcoming. He told me about their program and all that they do. It was just something I wanted to be a part of.”

During her senior season, Wilshire scored seven goals with four assists in 13 games.

Wilshire was named to the Southwest Christian Athletic Conference (SWCAC) all-conference team and was named Redeemer Lutheran’s MVP.

Aside from Concordia Wisconsin, Wilshire mulled offers from Concordia Chicago and Concordia Ann Arbor. Wilshire visited Concordia Wisconsin during her sophomore year and went back during the fall for another visit.

Concordia Wisconsin is a Division III school and part of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC).

In 2018, the Falcons finished 11-10 with an 8-3 conference record. The Falcons lost, 4-1, to Dominican in the semifinals of the NACC tournament to end their season. Wilshire aspires to a career in elementary education.

“When I visited Concordia Wisconsin, the atmosphere was a lot different and I thought I just belonged there. Whenever I was walking through and doing the tour, I could see myself being there for the next four years,” Wilshire said.

Wilshire has trained with the Hotspurs Soccer Club since she was 8, and that prepared her for the move to the college game.

“They’ve made me think about what I’m going to do with the ball next and think about what my strengths are, where I can play my best and how I work with other people,” Wilshire said. “They’ve just helped me develop as a player overall.”

Wilshire said she will have an opportunity for early playing time with the Falcons at either the midfield or striker positions.

Throughout her career, Wilshire has been utilized all over the field, even with a stint in net early in her soccer career.

“I’ve played at midfield, striker and I played goalie when I was younger, but I didn’t like it. I stuck with forward and midfield,” Wilshire said.

“I’ve been moving around a lot, which is good since I’ve played a lot of different positions and it has helped me throughout my soccer career.”

With soccer being a major part of her life, Wilshire couldn’t picture giving up the sport.

“I love the game so much and the thought to play it for the next four years is amazing. It’s been a part of my life for so long, so to be able to keep playing it and I don’t need to stop it so abruptly is so awesome,” Wilshire said.

Andrew John is a freelance writer.

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