Written by Eric Shannon
If you’re building a student athlete, Fort Gibson’s Grace Parker is what you’re looking for.
“Grace is one of the great ones,” says Lady Tiger soccer coach Billy Whitehead. “She knows the value of hard work, commitment, teamwork, she never quits, and she’ll sacrifice herself for her team. Grace is an awesome kid and a great leader on and off the field, there’s not much she doesn’t do right.”
Parker has been kicking the soccer ball since she was eight years old and fell in love with the sport from the outset.
“I love being on the field and I’ll play wherever coach puts me, but mainly I play midfield and forward,” said Parker. “I am there for the team, whatever makes us better I’m all in.”
Among her favorite many memories on the pitch, she says there’s one that stands above the rest.
“Winning state my sophomore year is probably my favorite memory-well besides playing pranks on our coach,” said Parker.
Already a three-year start who boasts a 4.3 GPA, the only thing left for Parker is to pick up another state championship ring with her younger sister Liz at her side.
“It’s a special season to have Liz on the field with me. We know each other’s thoughts and moves and can set each other up for runs,” said Parker.
Parker expects to keep the Lady Tiger tradition going and make a push for another state title this season.
“I think we have the team to make a run this year. We have a lot of people that can play multiple positions and we’re trying new things, plays, and formations this year, so we’re more versatile,” said Parker.
If you miss out on watching Parker at Fort Gibson, you can catch her at the next level as she has signed a scholarship to continue her soccer career at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee.
“I am very excited to continue my soccer career at OBU,” said Parker. “What’s funny is that they really weren’t on my radar until my visit up there and I fell in love with the school, coaches, and overall atmosphere. Their team chemistry was really welcoming.”
Wherever you see Parker, just know she’s going all out all the time no matter what she’s doing.
