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Graham, Watkins Form Bond Through U.S. Soccer
10/2/2020 7:16:00 AM | Women's Soccer
By Lily Hiser, Duke Communications Student Assistant
DURHAM, N.C.-- Even in the current circumstances, the arrival of fall to Duke's campus means the same things for the freshmen members of the Duke women's soccer squad. It brings the start of their collegiate soccer careers, and for most, it is the first opportunity to play with their new teammates. For freshmen players Maggie Graham and Grace Watkins, however, the start of school was the second time that they would play together in 2020. Both players had the opportunity to play together for the first time as members of the U.S. U18 Women's National Team earlier this year.
Selected to be members of this elite squad, Graham and Watkins had the honor of representing the United States in January, as they competed in the Tricontinental Cup. The U18 team took to the pitch in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, securing two initial victories against China and Norway. They completed the tournament with a 2-1 loss to the Netherlands, resulting in an overall finish of second place. For both Graham and Watkins, representing their country while playing the sport they love was a special moment.
"I think the best part for me…was when you got to stand in the uniform with the National Anthem playing. I just think that's really empowering and makes you appreciate what you are doing," remembered Graham.
Competing together on the international scene gave Graham and Watkins the opportunity to learn more about each other's playing styles. With Watkins playing forward and Graham at the midfield slot, cooperation and communication between the two will be critical to their offensive success in the fall. Watkins, for example, noted that Graham typically runs in behind as a midfielder, which helped her realize potential passing opportunities to take advantage of in coming games. Real-game experience and a goal-scoring play between the pair during the tournament hint at an offensive pairing that fans may see this season and in coming years.
Training with and competing against some of the most elite players in the world refined both Graham and Watkins' play. Completing at that elite level not only provided a good training opportunity for the pair, but it also allowed for growth in their ability to stay poised in high-pressure games.
"I think when you're playing [on the U.S. National Team], you are going against people who are just as athletic as you, so all of a sudden you can't just rely on running by someone," remarked Watkins. "You have to really think about what you are going to do when you go against people, which definitely helped me prepare for playing here because it's like the same group of elite players. Coming here is like a national team in itself."
Despite their growth from the U.S. U18 National Team experience, the transition to collegiate play still brought about some challenges for the pair. While the drills and skills are the same, both players commented on the increase in intensity that they have experienced in practices at Duke. Â
"Everyone is going hard all the time and everything has to be perfect," stated Graham. "Everything needs to be the point."
However, as Watkins commented that the support of their teammates has made the adjustment to collegiate play much easier. With a roster full of veteran players, the freshmen have had no shortage of support and advice for beginning their collegiate careers at Duke.
Another challenge for Graham, Watkins, and the rest of the women's soccer squad was how to safely continue to improve their games during the summer. With social distancing in place, players were not able to practice in traditional ways, forcing the players to get creative with their training regiments. Watkins was able to participate safely in some pick-up games against collegiate men's soccer players in her hometown, which helped increase the speed of her play. Graham was able to work out with her older sister and teammate, Delaney Graham, throughout the summer to stay in shape.
Amid the pandemic, both players are grateful to have the opportunity to start their collegiate careers and compete against opponents. As the season progresses, the bond that Graham and Watkins developed during the U.S. U18 National Team will continue to develop, and fans will be able to witness the effect of this experience on their games throughout the season.
#GoDuke
DURHAM, N.C.-- Even in the current circumstances, the arrival of fall to Duke's campus means the same things for the freshmen members of the Duke women's soccer squad. It brings the start of their collegiate soccer careers, and for most, it is the first opportunity to play with their new teammates. For freshmen players Maggie Graham and Grace Watkins, however, the start of school was the second time that they would play together in 2020. Both players had the opportunity to play together for the first time as members of the U.S. U18 Women's National Team earlier this year.
Selected to be members of this elite squad, Graham and Watkins had the honor of representing the United States in January, as they competed in the Tricontinental Cup. The U18 team took to the pitch in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, securing two initial victories against China and Norway. They completed the tournament with a 2-1 loss to the Netherlands, resulting in an overall finish of second place. For both Graham and Watkins, representing their country while playing the sport they love was a special moment.
"I think the best part for me…was when you got to stand in the uniform with the National Anthem playing. I just think that's really empowering and makes you appreciate what you are doing," remembered Graham.
Competing together on the international scene gave Graham and Watkins the opportunity to learn more about each other's playing styles. With Watkins playing forward and Graham at the midfield slot, cooperation and communication between the two will be critical to their offensive success in the fall. Watkins, for example, noted that Graham typically runs in behind as a midfielder, which helped her realize potential passing opportunities to take advantage of in coming games. Real-game experience and a goal-scoring play between the pair during the tournament hint at an offensive pairing that fans may see this season and in coming years.
Training with and competing against some of the most elite players in the world refined both Graham and Watkins' play. Completing at that elite level not only provided a good training opportunity for the pair, but it also allowed for growth in their ability to stay poised in high-pressure games.
"I think when you're playing [on the U.S. National Team], you are going against people who are just as athletic as you, so all of a sudden you can't just rely on running by someone," remarked Watkins. "You have to really think about what you are going to do when you go against people, which definitely helped me prepare for playing here because it's like the same group of elite players. Coming here is like a national team in itself."
Despite their growth from the U.S. U18 National Team experience, the transition to collegiate play still brought about some challenges for the pair. While the drills and skills are the same, both players commented on the increase in intensity that they have experienced in practices at Duke. Â
"Everyone is going hard all the time and everything has to be perfect," stated Graham. "Everything needs to be the point."
However, as Watkins commented that the support of their teammates has made the adjustment to collegiate play much easier. With a roster full of veteran players, the freshmen have had no shortage of support and advice for beginning their collegiate careers at Duke.
Another challenge for Graham, Watkins, and the rest of the women's soccer squad was how to safely continue to improve their games during the summer. With social distancing in place, players were not able to practice in traditional ways, forcing the players to get creative with their training regiments. Watkins was able to participate safely in some pick-up games against collegiate men's soccer players in her hometown, which helped increase the speed of her play. Graham was able to work out with her older sister and teammate, Delaney Graham, throughout the summer to stay in shape.
Amid the pandemic, both players are grateful to have the opportunity to start their collegiate careers and compete against opponents. As the season progresses, the bond that Graham and Watkins developed during the U.S. U18 National Team will continue to develop, and fans will be able to witness the effect of this experience on their games throughout the season.
#GoDuke
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