Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 1/15/13
From Michigan Sports Information
This is part of a continuing series of features on Philly girls that have signed with the first recruiting class at Michigan, which begins Division I play in 2014. Click here for link to Collins’ story and all previous recruit spotlights on Michigan’s women’s lacrosse page
Grace Collins earned her first varsity letter in 2012 and will play her final season at Radnor High School (Radnor) this spring. The right-handed goalkeeper led the Raiders to the District I Championship and a semifinals berth in the state of Pennsylvania in 2012.
Radnor lost by just goal in the state semifinals and finished the season with a 21-5 record, ranked No. 19 nationally. Following that season, Collins earned All Phillylacrosse.com High Honorable Mention, All-Delco honorable mention and All-Main Line honorable mention honors.
As a freshman, Collins was a member of the varsity squad that won the Central League title and Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) state championship.
Collins played club lacrosse for Phantastix 2013 Purple, as well as WAWA Short Sided Team. Most recently in 2012, she participated in the U.S. Lacrosse National Tournament for Philly Team 2. In 2011, she played for Philly Team 4 at the national tournament and U15 Philadelphia Area Team 1 in 2010.
Following her junior year, she was named a U.S. Lacrosse Academic All-American for her efforts on and off the field. A three-time Distinguished Honors recipient, Collins is also a member of National Honors Society, Radnor’s Radnor Challenge/Speak Up! program, as well as Model United Nations. Collins is also a three-year letterwinner in field hockey.
College athletics run in the Collins family, as her father was a linebacker at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and her brother, Robert, is currently a quarterback on the football team at Duke.
According to coach Jennifer Uhlehla:
“We are excited to have Grace representing us in one of a pair of goalie spots on Team One. She is poised and confident in the cage with a very strong presence. Leadership is critical in the goal and Grace is ready and willing to take on that challenge.”
According to Grace Collins:
Goalie, St Davids, Pa., Radnor
What attracted you to the University of Michigan?
“Off the field the combination of great academics and school spirit attracted me to the University of Michigan. Athletically what attracted me was Michigan’s competitive environment and drive to be the best.”
What are your thoughts about being part of Michigan first women’s lacrosse team?
“It’s such a rare and exciting opportunity to be part of the first Michigan women’s lacrosse team. We have the chance to create a legacy and make this team into something that is our own.”
How has it been getting to know your future Wolverine teammates?
“It has been great getting to know all of my future teammates. Even in the short time playing together at camp, we have all really clicked. Off the field, everyone has a lot of fun together and gets along really well.”
What do you like about Michigan/Ann Arbor from what you’ve seen so far?
“The Midwestern environment of Michigan is really laid back and friendly and the city of Ann Arbor looks like an exciting place to have access to.”
What is your favorite lacrosse moment of all time?
“My favorite lacrosse moment of all time was last season was when our team beat undefeated Garnet Valley by one goal in the last 15 seconds to advance to the district championships. Our team really worked together as one to come back from behind and it was an amazing win.”
How did you first get involved in lacrosse?
“Lacrosse is really big in my town so I started playing youth league in third grade.”
Do you have any talents or hobbies that you’re willing to share? If so, please explain.
“I can pogo stick and I’ve beaten the game Tetris quite a few times.”
Who is your role model, and why?
” My role model on and off the field is my dad. His work ethic has taught me to set goals and work to reach them.”
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not playing lacrosse?
“I like to hang out with my friends and attend sporting events or concerts.”
Favorite food … Grapes
Favorite band/artist … Josh Groban, Wyclef Jean, Matchbox Twenty
Favorite movie … Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Elf
Favorite TV show … The Big Bang Theory, Real Housewives of Atlanta & Miami
Favorite book … Lord of the Flies
Favorite subject/class taken … Economics
Favorite professional athlete … Venus Williams
Favorite place to visit/vacation … Nantucket
Favorite sport besides lacrosse … Golf
Favorite holiday … Presidents Day
