Golden Ball

11/18/24
A Season in the Life of a True Freshman

GBA: So let’s start from the ending and work our way back to the start of Freshman year. What was it like to be part of that conference tournament run?

GC: Going into my freshman year of college and being able to be apart of a team that was able to make it to the tournament final is unreal. We started off our season in such a poor way and really none of us believed we’d make it to where we did, with a new coach, new guys, everything.

GBA: As the season started, the team needed to come together and improve the performances. How did you and your mates make the necessary adjustments?

GC: Once we saw the standard, for the Freshmen and Sophomores, it kind of clicked in us that we have to do a whole lot better. The early games showed us what college ball was going to be like, but first conference game showed us what the next 4 years of NEWMAC competition will be like. We had to really put our heads down and in dig in to make this program success because it can really start from us.

GBA: Now, you suffered a season ending injury when you broke your leg. How did you manage that situation?

GC: I had never really been in that situation before. Laying on the ground at practice running all the different scenarios through my head, good or bad. So once I had found out I broke my ankle, it really shut me down. Early on, to be totally honest, it shut me down. As I grew with the injury and was with the team, it started to motivate and and really pushed me mentally in the right direction.

GBA: Were you able to get a medical redshirt? What was it like knowing early on that you wouldn’t be playing again this Freshman season.

GC: I am still currently in the process of getting a medical redshirt, but with my injury we are very hopeful that I would pass all the checks and barriers with something like this. Knowing that I wouldn’t play my freshman year was painful. I wouldn’t be able to grow into the team soccer wise and show what I had came there to do but I knew that I would come back stronger for my next years here at Salve.

GBA: When will you be able to get back on the pitch? Will you be able yo play in the Spring Season?

GC: With my extensive physical therapy, etc. I hope to be playing in my spring season and working on everything from getting touches or hitting the weight room in the coming weeks.

GBA: Having suffered such a tough injury, what were some special and positive moments your received or experienced in this first season of college soccer?

GC: A real positive moment were the wins. Anytime our team won a game it was unbelievably special because we knew it was one step closer to the playoffs which every upperclassmen was fighting for since their collegiate careers began.

Congratulations on an impressive first season as a member of NEWMAC Tourney Runner's Up. You've shown great resilience and mental strength to endure what you've been through. Without a doubt these experience will make you stronger and you will in turn be a vital piece for Salve to return to the Conference Finals and more. Well done Griff 👊

Q3. Now, you suffered a season ending injury when you broke your leg. How did you manage that situation?