GRACE NAIL-HILLDALE
A multi-sport athlete, Hilldale senior Grace Nail is finishing up her basketball career and getting ready for her last go-around in soccer and track.
“I like all three sports. I play outside midfield in soccer, post or forward in basketball and in track I run in the 4X100 and 4X200 meter relays, both of which qualified for state last year. Since I’m looking to get recruited, I probably put more emphasis on soccer this year. I started playing at around age four on a team called Pink Dynamite and stayed with them through middle school and then got on a competitive team my sophomore year. I think I just have more passion for soccer than the other two. I like the feeling of overcoming challenges I’ve faced in soccer, and I feel like God has played a big part in helping me do that,” said Grace who is also involved in student council, NHS and Nike club in school. Outside of school she is involved in Fostering Hope, which helps support kids who are going through the DHS process.
Grace has played several soccer positions over the years including a brief stint as goalkeeper.
“I broke my wrist playing goalie, so I decided not to try that again,” she laughed. “I soon realized that my speed was one of my biggest assets and that’s when I settled on outside mid.”
When she thinks about sports highlights, Nail remembers the fun of going to Gulf Shores, Alabama every year and winning some big games there and in basketball it was a special game last year.
“Checotah has always been one of our big rivalries and we beat them in regionals last year to go to the area tournament so that was sweet.”
Another big influence for Grace has been former teammate Gabby Dover who now plays college soccer at OBU.
“Gabby and I grew up playing together on Pink Dynamite. We’ve gone to nursing homes and handed out flowers and Bible verses. She’s always put others’ problems before her own and made God first in her life, and I really appreciate that about her. She sends me info about how OBU is doing, and it would be great if I can get recruited by them and join her there next year.”
