Grace Correll grew up in a Lafayette household. As a youngster, all she knew was Lafayette.
 
Today, she is a collegiate soccer player who, ironically, has done her most damage against the Leopards.
 
Saturday's Lehigh and Lafayette women's soccer game will be Correll's final opportunity to face the alma mater of both her parents (that is, unless they meet in the postseason).
 
"I wouldn't say I have more of a spark in the Lafayette games, but it's just so happened that I've had success in those games," said Correll. "Growing up, I was watching Lehigh and Lafayette play and now, I'm part of The Rivalry."
 
Correll's parents, Bob and Mary Agnes, both attended Lafayette, so whenever their daughter plays their alma mater, it is extra special.
 
"Mary Agnes and I do circle this game as the most important for us of the season," said Grace's father. "When we think back on her career, it's the games against Lafayette that we will always remember. Her success in these rivalry games has made us very proud."
 
Three of Correll's nine career goals have come against Lafayette. As a freshman, she scored both goals in a 2-1 win in Easton while the following year, she scored the overtime game-winner in a 1-0 home victory vs. the Leopards.
 
"I always knew of Lafayette more than Lehigh," said Grace. "When I was being recruited and came to Lafayette for a visit, my parents actually suggested I check out Lehigh since we were already in the area."
 
In the end, Grace found Lehigh to be a strong fit for her, feeling a connection to the Mountain Hawks' program.
 
"Lehigh is a little bit bigger, the athletic program is successful and the university has a strong academic reputation and business school," she said.
 
"Lehigh kept coming to my games, so I was in contact with both Lehigh and Lafayette through the recruiting process. In the end, the Lehigh coaches really went above and beyond to make me feel welcome."
 
Correll has thrived as a complete student-athlete during her collegiate career, currently owning 22 career points behind nine goals and four assists while also being named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll following every season.
 
More than individual statistics or accomplishments, the greatest memories she has made revolve around team.
 
"I love being on this team and having my best friends as my teammates," said Grace. "I have such a strong connection with all my teammates and I know these friendships will last after graduation."
 
When thinking back to individual memories, Correll's most damage came against the colors she grew up wearing.
 
"I actually had so many pictures of me as a little girl in Lafayette sweatshirts," said Grace. "It's an ongoing joke because my whole family is now in Lehigh gear. It's a total turnaround, but it's funny to look back on those memories and think back to always cheering for Lafayette."
 
Correll's father (Bob) played football at Lafayette, so he still follows and cheers for Lafayette football. However, the Corrells are full supporters of Lehigh Athletics, especially Grace and the women's soccer program.
 
"We have worn all Lehigh clothing supporting Grace these last four years," said Bob. "We have great respect for both schools and the excellence that they represent. The Rivalry epitomizes the best in what college athletics were meant to foster.
 
"I am sure upon her graduation, our Lafayette stuff will come back out of the closet," he continued. "We have Lafayette and Lehigh corn hole boards. It's nice that the rivalry will live on within our family."
 
"My parents always invite people to come to the Lehigh-Lafayette game to support me," said Grace. "I know they always look forward to the Lafayette game. It's fun to beat Lafayette because it's such a big rivalry."
 
Saturday is the next chapter of the Lehigh-Lafayette rivalry, women's soccer edition. Collectively, the Mountain Hawks are looking to continue their impressive play, return to the Patriot League Tournament and compete for a championship.
 
"I think this year especially, we're set up for success," said Correll. "We've been building over the past four years. We're playing more of a technical game and really playing smart soccer, focusing on tactics. We're working well together and we have very good connections and chemistry on the field.
 
"We're just taking it game-by-game. I have a lot of faith in this team to do well."
 
Speaking of doing well, Correll's has certainly done exceptionally well off the field as well, culminating in a full-time job.
 
"This past summer, I interned at Bloomberg in New York City for the sales and analytics department and I've secured a full-time position next September," she said.
 
"I'm starting out in the analytics program so I'll be learning about all their financial products, then I'll move over into sales and work with the clients, selling the products and introducing enhancements," Grace continued. "The company fosters a very collaborative environment, which is similar to being on a team with soccer."
 
Correll set her own path by choosing Lehigh and four years later, she's in a strong position for success due in large part to the support system around her.
 
"I'll look back on my experience and the relationships I've built, the team atmosphere, the top-notch academics and all the great performance memories where we won as a team," said Correll. "Lehigh helped me grow into the person I am today.
 
"Being on a team all my life has taught me many life lessons, such as how to work well and build relationships with each teammate and coach, and how to leverage my skills to help the team succeed. Lehigh has helped me grow into a person that's ready for the next step in my life."
 
Before she needs to take the next step, Correll is set for the next chapter against the Leopards on Saturday
 
"I don't want to say I go into this game specifically more passionate or more ready to win," she said. "Every Patriot League game is pretty much the same for me, but I definitely always have a lot of energy against Lafayette."
 
Beating Lafayette would solidify four regular-season wins over four years for Correll's class, but most importantly, mean three all-important points in the 2017 Patriot League standings.
 
"I will always remember my games against Lafayette," she said "I'm very excited to face Lafayette one last time."

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