By Maria Akaras
Sports Editor
Washington College’s women’s soccer team is fortunate to have three captains to lead them through the 2026 season: senior defender Grace Morris, senior goalkeeper Olivia Allen, and senior midfielder Kaileigh Brady.
Each of the three captains bring valuable field experience, individual leadership styles, and a love for soccer that will serve their team well this season.
“In my opinion, leadership is making decisions with the collaboration of others. The goal is not to do what is best for myself but what is best for every single player on our team,” Morris said.
Allen also believes that positivity and team mentality are essential parts of being a captain and having success on the field.
“I would describe my leadership style by being upbeat, resilient and focused on the next play,” Allen said.
All three captains emphasize the importance of collaboration and selflessness as team leaders.
“I am proud to be a captain of this team. Although we have three captains on this team including myself, I feel as if each player is a leader. I am excited to be able to encourage players to be their best self on, and off, the field,” Morris said.
As leaders in their final season, these seniors are dreaming big. The captains are striving for the Shorewomen to break records and have their best season yet.
“If you ask my teammates, they will probably tell you I’m one of the most competitive people they know. I have been playing soccer since I was three and for as long as I can remember I have always had a hunger for victory. I try to instill that same competitiveness in my teammates, the hunger to win even in the 89th minute when I have nothing left,” Brady said.
Though they strive to be role models, the captains look up to their teammates as much as their teammates look up to them.
“My teammates are so talented, and I take every opportunity to remind them of that … and they do the same for me,” Brady said. “I want to continue to learn from my teammates all year. They are what make me such an amazing player, leader, and person.”
Encouraging and uplifting each other is another value all three captains prioritize in their leadership.
“I try and motivate my teammates by encouragement and acknowledgment of a good idea. In soccer goals are rare, so you must celebrate the little victories such as a good pass or touch to keep momentum up,” Allen said.
All three of the team’s leaders recall beating Johns Hopkins University for the first time in program history as their favorite memory of their WC soccer careers. This is an accomplishment they hope they are able to repeat this season.
“I can remember the moment we walked into the stadium and realized that we were their senior night game to the moment the referee blew the whistle to solidify our win. I loved this game so much because it showed that this team can do whatever we set our minds to,” Brady said.
The care and commitment these players have for each other and their team will serve them well in all of their goals.
“The people truly make the team what it is. I love the sport of soccer but it’s the people I get to play with at WAC that have made the last few years a great experience,” Morris said.
Brady and Allen both echo this sentiment.
“Our team dynamic is like a family. The team motto is, YNWA, which means you’ll never walk alone and it really encompasses our team culture,” Allen said. “My teammates are my best friends and my support system away from home. They make soccer more than a game and make WAC feel like home,” Allen said.
Photo Caption: Left to right: Kaileigh Brady, Olivia Allen, and Grace Morris
Photo Courtesy of WC Athletics