We are excited to feature another outstanding FC Richmond coach this month! Coach Kelly Grant is our current U16 Mystx Classic coach and U14 Mystx Elite assistant coach. She is also the University of Richmond women's assistant coach.
Kelly first started playing soccer in elementary school in Northern Virginia for Chantilly Youth Association. "My parents never played soccer so they had me try basketball first. All my friends played soccer though so after some begging, they let me sign up. When looking back, I love that I made the choice for myself to play at that age. It clearly was one of the best choices I have ever made!," she says.
In middle school, she began playing with VISTA. Kelly shared that playing for VISTA United’s U19 group from from her freshman year of high school through graduation was a great experience. "Playing with the oldest age group allowed me to compete against girls who were stronger and farther along with their game. It definitely stretched me to become better and a major reason why I was able to play in college," she explains.
When asked about her most impactful soccer experience, Kelly spoke of her college career. "My four years at Stony Brook University had both high and low moments. I came in my first year and earned a starting position as an outside back. The years following it became extremely competitive, which is a good thing, but mentally put me through some challenges. The mindset had to be all about coming in each and every single day and putting my very best effort forward – no matter the outcome. All the work I put in allowed for me to be a captain my senior year and taught me lessons that could be used for the rest of my life."
Kelly enjoys coaching and sharing accomplishments with her players, both big and small. She loves when something “clicks” in one of her players and the excitement when they realize they can now do something they had been working towards. She also enjoys the games where her team comes from behind for a win, or a well fought game to the final minute that doesn’t go their way but the players can clearly recognize they did everything they could. "Those moments are why I love coaching," she says.
In Kelly's free time she enjoys getting outside whether that is a hike on Buttermilk Trail, kayaking/paddle boarding, a day trip to Lake Anna, or simply walking her two dogs. "I am definitely a water person so anything by the water works for me" she exclaims.
When she shares her best advice for FC Richmond players, she says, "Do the extra work and show up wanting to learn. I have seen over my time and experience that the people willing to do extra work on their own end up improving at a much faster rate than those who only touch a ball at soccer practice. It can be short periods of hyper focused work vs an hour of mindless touches. When you are able to develop that base of technical ability and fitness at home, you can learn so much more at training! Your mind does not have to think so hard about that first touch, or pass thru defenders – you got that down – now you can think about the topic at hand and leave each session feeling more accomplished."
Great advice, Kelly! Thank you for your commitment to FC Richmond and your passion for the game!
