We continue our HS Player Profile with Grace Loehr, who is a student athlete from San Antonio’s Antonian College Preparatory High School. Antonian was founded in 1964 as an all boys school and became co-ed in 1989. The Girls Soccer Team participates in TAPPS Divison I, District 3.
Grace was named this past season to the TAPPS 1st Team All District, TAPPS 1st Team All State and the TAPPS All Star Team. As a defender, Grace scored 13 Goals and recorded 5 Assists in the 2020-2021 season while Antonian finished 14-4-1 giving up only 13 Goals in the regular season and made a deep run in the TAPPS State Tournament reaching the Semi-Final Round.
How old were you when you started playing soccer and what was the first team you played for?
I was 3 when I started playing soccer and I played for a SAYSAT team, which my dad was the coach of.
Who is your mentor or biggest influence when it comes to playing soccer?
My biggest mentor is definitely my dad. He always drives me to practice in Austin and is always there to help me improve, even when I don’t always want to hear it. I have grown up watching Sunday soccer with him which has always been influential when it comes to playing soccer.
Who is your biggest mentor outside of soccer?
My biggest mentor out of soccer is probably my friend Kate. She always helps me with my problems and leads me in the right direction. She brings the best out of me in my life outside of soccer.
Who is your favorite player and why?
My favorite player is Crystal Dunn because of her work ethic and desire to always win the ball. She always gives 120% in everything she does which is really inspiring.
Who is your favorite professional team?
My favorite all time professional team is Chelsea. Ever since I was little I have loved their style of play and intensity to attack. I also love how they’ve evolved over the years and continued to stay up there in the Premier League. One of my favorite men’s players, Cristian Pulisic is playing for them now which makes me like them even more!
Besides playing your primary position; is there any other position you play?
Up until this year I’ve mostly played outside defender but I like using my defensive skills up top now.
What has been some of the keys to your’s and Antonian’s success this season?
This season our desire to win as individuals and as a team was a huge piece of our success. Even though we had a lot of good players involved in club soccer, we also had a lot of girls that didn’t play club that still put in a lot of effort and contributed a lot to the team.
What was it like playing in the TAPPS playoff tournament?
Though it seems like there would be a lot of pressure, it was mostly really fun to play against higher level teams. I got to see a lot of my friends that live in different cities since they played on these teams.
What are your plans after high school? Are you planning to play in college or go pro?
College soccer is the goal for sure and if any professional opportunities arise I will look into them because I want to be able to play soccer as long as I can.
Have you played at club or academy level? If so, what was your experience like playing for a club?
I have played club soccer since I was 6, and I still do today. Playing club has really turned into my life and making friends throughout the years has been one of the best parts. I’ve always loved club ball because it feels like a fun job for me and I love going to high intensity practices and playing in tough games. Club soccer has also taught me how to have a good work ethic and how to learn to prioritize things that are important to you.
What advice would you give younger kids looking to play Varsity High School soccer?
Anything is possible and if you show that you are coachable and adaptable then you have a great chance of making Varsity. Come in with an open mind and willingness to play anywhere you’re asked and play against girls of all different ages and styles.
What is your pregame ritual? Do you have a favorite song, meal or other thing you do prior to a game?
I have a specific meal that I eat that consists of a liquid IV packet and 4 apple cinnamon rice cakes. I also usually have a coffee or a Bang right before for some extra energy. My all time favorite pregame song has to be Swimming Pools by Kendrick Lamar.
Soy San Antonio Fútbol 