When Lacey Clarida was in high school, she graduated early – not because she didn’t enjoy high school, but because she wanted to get started on her collegiate career.

“There were no doubts at all. It was the best decision I ever made,” she said.

Clarida enrolled in the spring of 2014 and didn’t see much playing time during the spring soccer season. She tore her lateral meniscus in Nov. 2013, which resulted in surgery and rehab. Clarida said she appreciated learning from the sidelines.

“There was a lot of learning from just standing on the sideline and observing everything, how to play and where to go, and how other girls work with each other,” Clarida said. “And when I got thrown into the mix, it was a lot easier to adapt to it.”

Watching in the spring has paid off for Clarida. She has posted two goals this season, the second most for the team, and has three assists. So far she’s had 23 shots, with 13 on goal. She has a .087 shooting average.

The freshman grew up playing soccer with her older sister in Homer Glen, Illinois. Her parents put her into as many sports as possible, and as she got older she realized that soccer was her calling. She led her high school team to the 2013 conference championship. Clarida also took part in the Chicago International club team. All of these accomplishments have helped her become a stronger player.

Coach Todd Bramble first noticed Clarida during a summer soccer camp. Bramble said she stood out as the best player at camp.

“She’s got a nice combination or balance between athleticism and good soccer skill,” Bramble said. “She can score with both feet, with her right foot or her left foot. She’s good in the air, she can score with her head. She’s athletic enough to run past people, so she’s multi-faceted in what she brings to the field.”

So far this season, the freshman has started in every game. Clarida said she was happy to see some action, but her main goal was to help her team win.

“I hope to score a lot of goals, that’s a given,” Clarida said. “I also hope to help the team have the best season in Alabama history. I hope we can achieve that and get to the [SEC] tournament.”