University of Minnesota Athletics
Catchin? Up With Clare Grimwood
10/18/2006 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
Clare Grimwood was just one member of a supremely talented freshman class last year. On a young squad that oozed with potential, Grimwood made an immediate impact, leading the Golden Gophers with seven assists in her first season of college soccer.
One of the most dynamic players on the Gophers’ roster, Grimwood has a knack for creating scoring opportunities for her teammates. This caused the Minnesota coaching staff to move Grimwood to the midfield prior to the start of the 2006 season in order to better utilize her playmaking ability. Her well-balanced game and leadership qualities made her an obvious candidate for the switch. Citing her versatility and maturity, Head Coach Mikki Denney Wright knew the transition would be an easy one.
Grimwood was excited about the prospects as well.
“I was really excited to get a chance to play some offense again,” she said. “It’s getting back to what I used to do before I got here.”
Throughout her soccer career, Grimwood has traditionally been running the offense. During her four years at Eagan High School she was a two-time team MVP, two-time all-state selection, as well as a three-time all-conference and all-metro selection. Upon her arrival at Minnesota, Grimwood switched to the opposite side of the ball and was a prominent feature on one of the Big Ten’s best defenses last season. For her efforts, she was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team and SoccerBuzz All-Region Freshman Team.
Despite her offensive contributions and the awards she received following the season, Grimwood is quick to shift the focus to the team. She learned the value of hard work from last year’s senior class and has been leading by example this season. She brings a high-energy style of play to the field that is accentuated by her determination to outwork her opponents late in the second half.
“Seeing my opponents tired at the end of games gets me motivated, and that’s where I try to step up my game,” Grimwood explained.
Moving Grimwood to the offensive side of the ball proved fruitful through the early part of the season. She provided an instant spark on the attack, as the Gophers found the back of the net 14 times in their first 10 games.
Although there have been ups and downs this season, expectations are still high for a strong finish and Grimwood will undoubtedly have an impact on the team’s rebound efforts down the stretch.
When asked to reflect on her soccer experience thus far at the ‘U’, Grimwood raved about her teammates, the coaches and the fans, with a special shout-out going to the men’s track team who is at every game showing their support.
Initially, Grimwood had other plans before committing to Minnesota and admitted she originally wanted to get away from home.
“But after visiting the campus, it just felt right, and in retrospect, I am very glad about my decision,” she commented.
Denney Wright is equally grateful.
“Clare is an independent, strong woman who is well-rounded, committed and one of the team’s central leaders,” she said.
For everything she brings to the program, Grimwood is one of many reasons the future is bright for Golden Gopher Soccer.
story by Matt Schroeder, athletic communications student assistant
