By: Chloe Malson
Grace Malson arrives at the Georgia Southern RAC fields to practice soccer and get in some conditioning. She likes to show up often in the mornings or early afternoons.
Grace Malson sits beneath the shade of a tree while lacing up her cleats before a morning practice at the Georgia Southern RAC fields. "I've been looking forward to getting back out here".
"First, I start with some stretching and mobility". Grace Malson stretches to warm up for her solo practice.
"This ball is pretty flat. I lost my old ball pump and had to buy a new one recently." Grace pumps up her flat soccer ball before her practice.
"I like to leave my stuff under the tree so everything stays cool." Grace sets up under a tree for some shade and a place to cool off from the summer heat.
Grace begins warming up with some toe taps and light footwork. She enjoys taking time to practice her technical skills.
"I like to spend some of my warm-up time balancing the ball to gain better control". Grace enjoys technical footwork to improve her skills on the field.
"I like to have fun and goof around when I come out here. I miss my team, we always had so much fun playing together". Grace loves to come out here to simply have fun and mess around outside.
Grace completes her balancing challenge of holding the ball on her foot for 1 full minute. She cheers in excitement as the timer rings.
Grace Malson kicks a long ball across the field. She repeats the drill to improve her conditioning and passing accuracy.
"Since there are no goals on the field, I have to improvise and make up a solo drill". Grace runs to retrieve the ball after shooting it across the field.
Grace practices trapping the ball as it comes down from the air. She throws the ball up and then catches it with her body or foot.
"I love working on trapping the ball, there are so many ways you can catch it". Grace prepares to trap the ball with her foot as it comes down from the air.
"I usually try to get out here earlier before the heat sets in". Grace walks back to take a break.
"I may go back and do some juggling in the shade". The tree provides nice shade to cool down and take breaks.
"I just need a second to relax". Grace lies down in the shaded grass to catch her breath and cool down from the heat.
Grace practices her juggling as a cool-down before concluding her practice. She is working on getting back to 100 consecutive juggles after taking a break from soccer.
"This is the last part of my practice. I always end it with some stretching, especially my hamstrings". Grace finishes with some stretching to loosen up.
