July 9, 2016
Full name: Grace Baker Jackson
Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
Position: Midfield
Age you started playing soccer: Four years old
What I need to improve on to be a better player: I need to improve on my speed of play to become a better player because I need to become more aware of when to play fast or slow.
The thing that impresses me most about Coach Ambrose: Coach Ambrose does not only care for the soccer players on the field but he also cares about their lives off the field. He works hard to form relationships with all of the players and really cares about everyone core values.
Favorite part about Vanderbilt: My favorite part of Vanderbilt is that my dad played baseball here and I love that now I get the opportunity to play at the school my dad once played.
Have you ever had a life changing moment? During the summer of 2010, my family and I went on an African Safari in Kenya. This was life changing because I was able to see multiple wild African animals like lions, elephants, wildebeest and cheetahs. Not only were the animals life changing, but we were able to visit an African school. This school had one classroom for all age children and very little school supplies. After visiting the African school and playing with the children I realized how blessed I am to have such a great education.
What’s something interesting about yourself? In 2006 my family (Grandparents) owned the horse that won the Kentucky Derby. I was in the winner’s circle with Barbaro.
I picked my jersey number because: I chose the number 7 because all of my previous numbers were multiples of 7. For example my club team number was 14 and my high school team number was 21. So I thought the number 7 would be perfect for college.
When I was a kid I tried to be like: My older brother, Hardie, because I always
look up to him.
Favorite sport other than soccer: Football
Favorite musical performer: Beyoncé
Favorite movie: The Blind Side
Nobody can believe I watch this TV show: Grey’s Anatomy
Favorite midnight snack: Guacamole
Favorite thing about myself: My Family
Worst habit: Biting my nails
Dream Date (person): Patrick Dempsey
My soccer “dream team” would be: The USA Women’s National Team
The best tasting food I can make: Apple Pie
My bucket list includes: Skydiving in Australia
Favorite athlete to watch in another sport: Steph Curry
Talent I’d most like to have: I would like to fly.
Favorite thing to do away from soccer: I love to bake.
I’m as good as anyone at: Riding a bike
One thing my hometown is famous for: Peaches
My best non-athletic talent: Baking
Favorite aspect of Nashville: The music!
Superstitions: Going under a yellow light, I was always told to kiss my hand and touch it to the ceiling of my car haha
The person I’d love to trade places with for a day: Blake Lively
What I would do if I won the lottery: Go to Australia.
Full name: Sydney Bethanie O’Donnell
Prefers to be called: Syd
Hometown: Novi, Mich.
Position: Midfield
Age you started playing soccer: Four years old
A few words that describe the way you play soccer: Team-player, fast, energetic
Why did I decide to come to Vanderbilt: Vanderbilt has everything looking for in a school…one of the best academic schools, great city surrounding, awesome coaching staff, players, and campus.
Records set: South Lyon East high school soccer: Most season goals record (24), Most career goals record South Lyon East High school track: (4 x 800) record.
Favorite Sports team: Detroit Red Wings
The one pro player you wished was your teammate: Tobin Heath
I picked my jersey number because: It’s the day of by birthday
When I was a kid I tried to be like: Mia Hamm
What do you need to improve on to be a better player: Getting up to the college level of play fast.
Favorite sport other than soccer: Snowboarding
Favorite musical performer: Luke Bryan or Beyoncé
Favorite movie: Step Brothers
Nobody can believe I watch this TV show: Prison Break
Favorite thing about myself: I’m very outgoing
Dream Date (person): Channing Tatum
The person you’d want to trade places with for a day: Beyoncé
My soccer “dream team” would be: Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Hope Solo, Tobin Heath, Abby Wambach
The best tasting food I can make: Grilled cheese
My bucket list includes: Skydiving, traveling around the world
Favorite athlete to watch in another sport: Miguel Cabrera
Favorite think to do away from soccer: Hang out with my friends, and play card games.
Worst habit: Forgetting where I put things
Best non-athletic talent: Painting and ceramics
One thing my hometown is famous for: Hockey, my hometown is called “Hockeytown”
Favorite aspect of Nashville: Live music scenes
What would you do if you won the lottery: Go on a shopping spree
