By Trevor Wenners
Assistant Director of Sports Information
LaGrange College brought out the very best in Brittany Gray '14.
Gray is one of the top women's soccer players in program history. She ranks third in career points (81) and goals (32). Athletics played a vital role in Gray's collegiate experience, but she was here first and foremost to get a first-class education.
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She opened many doors by earning a bachelor's degree in exercise science in 2014. She furthered her education with a doctorate in physical therapy from the University of New England in 2019. Gray has transitioned smoothly into her professional career, working as a physical therapist at BenchMark Physical Therapy in Atlanta.
"The academics and athletics at LaGrange prepared me in different ways for my career and other aspects of life," said Gray. "My classes and professors at LaGrange challenged and prepared me for the doctorate-level courses in physical therapy school. My time on the soccer team taught me the importance of teamwork, work ethic and leadership. Those qualities made me into the person that I am today."
Gray appeared in 81 games and made 78 starts, missing only one game from 2010-13. The Conyers, Georgia, native recorded 17 assists and four hat tricks. In her first collegiate game, she tallied two assists during a 4-1 triumph over Toccoa Falls on Sept. 2, 2010.
As a junior, she finished with the second-most points (34) and tied for fourth in goals (15) in a single season in program history. Among USA South players in 2012, she was tied for third in points and goals.
Gray was a member of one of the most successful periods in program history. The 2011 team was runner up in the Great South Athletic Conference (GSAC) tournament. LaGrange defeated top-seeded and nine-time defending champion Maryville in penalty kicks during the semifinals.
"I will never forget the game that we beat Maryville and reached the championship game," said Gray. "I have chills thinking about that game. As soon as we won the game, fans flooded the field and there was a dog pile. I looked around taking it all in and thinking there is nowhere else I would rather be."
The Panthers continued to make strides during Gray's junior and senior campaigns. In 2012, the group tied a program record with nine victories. One year later, the unit reached its first USA South tournament. Gray was quick to identify former head coach Jim Robbins (2009-13) as one of the primary sources behind the success.
"Coach Robbins and the whole team worked diligently to develop the program," said Gray. "I was lucky to have the best teammates and coach that helped me achieve my goals. Coach Robbins believed in me when I did not always believe in myself and pushed me to achieve success."
Gray received an abundance of awards during her time sporting the Red and Black. She garnered the program's Best Offensive Player honor all four years and was the Golden Boot winner in 2010 and 2012.
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As a rookie, she was named to the GSAC's All-Conference first team and All-Freshman team, in addition to being the conference's Player of the Week on Oct. 17, 2010. Gray earned USA South Academic All-Conference laurels during the 2012-13 and 2013-14 school years.
Gray took some time to reflect on her Panther career and engage in a Q&A segment.
Q: What type of soccer player were you?
A: I was never the strongest, tallest or fastest player on the field, so my success came from my vision and creativity. Coach Robbins always told me to think of myself as a playmaker and to use my vision to make things happen. I was very competitive and played with a lot of heart, which earned me a few yellow cards. Coach Robbins would give me a limit each season.
Q: What was the best part of your LaGrange College experience?
A: The best part of my college experience at LaGrange was the lifelong friends that I made and the memories on and off the field. From the hot days of preseason to hours spent in the athletic training room, I loved every minute. I enjoyed the wins, losses and traveling with my team. I would give a lot to be back on the field with my teammates and coaches.
Q: Could you reflect on that special bond you formed with your teammates?
A: My time at LaGrange would not have been the same without my teammates getting me through the ups and downs that come with the stress and pressure of being a student-athlete. Close is an understatement when it comes to my friends that I made at LaGrange, we are family. We have all kept in touch through all of life's changes. We are busy, but we get together when we can. I have kept in touch with coach Robbins, who was a big part of my development as a soccer player and person.
Q: Did you enjoy your time studying in New England?
A: In 2016, I was accepted at the University of New England in Portland, Maine, where I earned my doctorate in physical therapy. Being from the South, New England was quite the adjustment, but I would not change my experience up there for anything. Just as I did at LaGrange, I grew a lot as a person and met some of my best friends. After graduating in 2019, I moved back to Georgia and currently reside in Atlanta.
Trevor Wenners can be reached at twenners@lagrange.edu.
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