This week, the Capital Athletic Conference introduces St. Mary's College senior women's soccer midfielder Sarah Grady (Ellicott City, Md./Mt. Hebron), who has been a four-year letterwinner and has started more than 30 games for the Sea Hawks.  In addition to being a steady influence on the pitch, Grady is a two-year academic all-star, including a berth on the 2007 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Team.

What is your background in the sport you play or coach?    I have been playing soccer for about 16 years, starting on a co-ed team when I turned five. My parents had me try out pretty much for every sport, but by middle school I had settled on just one. I played club and ODP throughout high school (our ODP team earned the Silver Medal at Nationals!) and always knew I wanted to continue playing in college, which was when I found St. Mary's. I have actually been lucky enough to play off and on with a few girls on the team for almost 8 years.

What is your favorite spot on campus?    I love our athletics complex on campus. It opened just prior to my freshman year and has an amazing rock climbing wall, a huge pool, a great team locker room and it's definitely where I spend most of my time during the season.

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in?   I live in the WISH house with a group of girls that are all science majors and we do a lot of community service focused towards local elementary and middle school kids to increase their interest in the sciences. I am also fortunate enough to be a part of the Nitze leadership program here at St. Mary's that sent a group of us to India for 17 days over winter break sophomore year. It was an incredible experience and one that taught me to truly appreciate what I have back home.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?    I think the progression from college life, where you live in an insular and often isolated academic community, to the real world, can be very difficult for students after graduation. The more that universities can do to help their students decide on a direction and focus after receiving their diploma, the better.        

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?   I am majoring in biology with a minor in neuroscience, and the past three years have definitely afforded me the chance to take classes in all sorts of fields. I have come to realize that even as you narrow your academic focus, there are still tons of options available for where you can apply your skills. It has been comforting to know that I haven't put myself into a corner, but instead have opened up a wide range of choices for after graduation.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?   Both my teammates and my roommates are a constant source of comfort and advice. I have a huge group of girls, both on the field and at home, to confide in and to share with the ups and downs that are inherent to soccer season and college life. I'm not sure what I would do without all of their help.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?   Enjoy recess!

What is your favorite form of entertainment?   A lot of girls on the team are big TV fans. You can always guarantee that last night's shows (like House or Grey's Anatomy) will be the main topic of conversation during stretching and warm-up the next day. It's nice to have a break every so often from studying and soccer.

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?   I have always been a huge fan of Thierry Henry (a forward on the French national team). The things he can do on the field are just incredible. I was in Paris when he helped France knock Brazil out of the 2006 World Cup and the whole city emptied onto the streets to celebrate. I also really admire Lance Armstrong. I watched the Tour de France every year he won and am excited to hear that he has decided to come out of retirement to race and promote cancer awareness.

Name three people (living or dead), that you'd like to have dinner with.   I would love to meet Jon Stewart, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and George Carlin.  I catch the Daily Show almost every night and I am constantly impressed by both Stewart's intelligence and his sense of humor. I would hope that FDR, a man who was elected to office four consecutive times and who led a nation through a World War, would be able to shed some light on the upcoming elections and the decisions made since 9/11. Carlin was a master at making us laugh while making us think, a talent that few others possess and still fewer can use to enact social and political change.