Cowgirl Soccer's Gordon Living Out Her Dreams

By Grant Noyes, OSU Athletics Communications

Grace Gordon vividly remembers the moment she entered the transfer portal for the second time. It wasn't without uncertainty or doubt, but something inside her told her to take a leap of faith.

Having already transferred from Drexel to Seton Hall, she found herself at a crossroads again — this time looking for a program that could elevate her game to the highest level.

"I went into the first portal that's in the fall, and I had already been looking at Kentucky and kind of verbally committed there. But then I talked to the coach and decided not to go, just for personal reasons," Gordon said. "I was between OSU and Baylor, and I just looked at OSU — historically, the coaches, how genuine they were — and that made the biggest difference for me."

Her leap of faith landed her in Stillwater, a move that turned out to be the perfect fit.

As the Cowgirls' starting goalkeeper the last two seasons, Gordon has flourished, both in her personal growth and in her performance on the field. Now in her fifth and final year of eligibility, Gordon has solidified her place as one of the top goalkeepers not just in the Big 12 but in the country.

In 40 games with the Cowgirls, Gordon has posted 18 shutouts, the third-highest total in program history, and she also ranks in the top 10 with 135 saves and a 0.79 goals against average.

But Gordon's journey hasn't been straightforward. She began her college career as a walk-on at Drexel but soon transferred to Seton Hall and played for three and a half years, enjoying a successful stint of starting 45 games and recording over 250 saves.

"When I walked on (at Drexel), I was like, 'This isn't where I envisioned myself, but I'm happy to be playing Division I soccer,'" Gordon said. "But then I thought, 'I want more than this,' so I transferred for the first time."

Her time at both schools provided valuable experiences, but once again, Gordon knew she wanted more. Her dream was to play at a Power Five school, where the competition would be tougher, the stakes higher and the opportunity to develop greater.

Taking a chance on herself for a second time wasn't easy, but Gordon knew it was necessary. She had already spent several years proving herself at a smaller program, and now it was time to aim higher.

"I was between here and Baylor and it was a hard decision, but I looked at OSU's history. The coaches, the players, the program — everything felt right," Gordon said. "I wanted to be at a school where I loved the environment and where I was going to be surrounded by people who were just as committed as I was."

Upon arriving in Stillwater, Gordon faced new challenges, both in terms of the competition and the level of training expected of her.

The jump from the Big East to the Big 12 was a significant one, and Gordon knew she'd have to push herself harder than ever before.

"I knew Oklahoma State was going to be a big jump competition-wise," Gordon said. "Just trusting that I would have to train a lot harder and push myself further was the biggest adjustment."

One of the key aspects that helped Gordon transition smoothly was the support system she found at OSU.

Whether it was the coaching staff or her teammates, everyone around her was committed to helping her succeed.

Twice a week, she would meet with the coaches for goalkeeper-specific training, focusing on areas where she needed to improve. These sessions, along with high-level practices, made a noticeable difference in her game.

"I can meet with the coaches and say, 'What's the next step? What do I need to do outside of practice?'" Gordon said. "That support system, and the extra training, has made all the difference. I'm not just focused on myself, I'm focused on my teammates, too. We're all pushing each other to be better."

As Gordon's confidence grew, so did her performance.

OSU head coach Colin Carmichael remembers recruiting Gordon from the transfer portal and how she quickly developed into one of the team's standout players.

"We saw her ability to make big plays on her highlight reel," Carmichael said. "But since she's been here, she's really developed. I think when she first arrived, she was a little apprehensive, maybe a little tentative. But since the start of conference play last year, she's played at an all-conference level."

That has been especially evident in her final collegiate season as Gordon was in fact tabbed an All-Big 12 goalie by the league's head coaches, who voted her to the second team.

Along the way, she's cemented her name in the OSU record books. She ranks third nationally this season with 12 shutouts, a total tied for the most in a single season in program history along with three-time All-American AD Franch.

That total also includes a record stretch of six consecutive games in which she had a clean sheet, besting Franch's previous record.

Gordon's technical skills, including her ability to handle high balls and her sharp distribution, have been instrumental in her success.

But beyond the physical aspects of her game, it's her mental toughness that has set her apart.

"I don't really look at my stats during the season," Gordon said. "My mom will call and tell me, 'Oh my gosh, you're ranked fourth for shutouts!' But for me, it doesn't matter until the end of the season. I just focus on what's in front of me."

As Gordon's college career draws to a close, she's found a new passion: coaching.

Working with younger players has not only rekindled her love for the game but also provided her with a sense of purpose beyond her own achievements.

"There are a few girls on the team who do private coaching, and I'm one of them," Gordon said. "Coaching these kids reminds me of where I started and what I thought college athletes were like. When I was younger, I thought college soccer players were the coolest people in the world."

Working with aspiring goalkeepers allows Gordon to reflect on her own journey and the steps she's taken to reach this point.

It's also a reminder of how far she's come — from a young girl idolizing college players to becoming the role model she once admired.

"When I coach, it brings me back to the basics," Gordon said. "It helps me remember the small details that got me to where I am now. Giving back to the kids, seeing their appreciation, it means the world to me."

Gordon's time at Oklahoma State may be winding down, but her impact on the program will be felt for years to come.

From her leadership on the field to her dedication to the sport, she's leaving behind a legacy of hard work, perseverance and a deep love for soccer.

"I've been through a lot of ups and downs in my college career, but everything I've experienced has brought me to where I am now," Gordon said. "OSU has been the perfect place for me, and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity."

As she looks toward the next chapter of her life, whether it's playing professionally or continuing her journey as a coach, Grace Gordon knows one thing for certain — she'll keep pushing, keep growing and keep chasing the dreams that brought her this far.

"Sometimes you don't give yourself credit for getting to where your 13-year-old dreams were. But when I coach these kids it reminds me of everything I wanted when I was younger, and I realize I've achieved it."

Oklahoma State University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Grace Gordon

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