T-Breds' Graves headed to Furman to play soccer

South Aiken High School senior Emily Graves, front row, second from right, signs a letter of intent to play soccer at Furman University. Seated next to her, from left, is her sister Katie, mother Jill and father Donny. Standing, from left, is athletic director Bob Polewski, former coach Jason Holt, principal Bryan Skipper, coach David Mihoulides and assistant coach Raymond Roseberry. Staff photo by Noah Feit.

On Friday, South Aiken High School soccer player Emily Graves officially signed her letter of intent to continue playing at Furman University. The Thoroughbred senior made a verbal commitment to play for the Paladins back in October, so the ceremony at South Aiken's library was a formality.

That didn't diminish how special the event was for Graves.

"It means a lot," said Graves, who was surrounded by family, South Aiken faculty and administrators, as well as a huge mass of friends who turned out for the significant event. "I've got a lot of people supporting me. It's awesome to have them here."

As the 2011 National Soccer Coaches Association of America South Carolina High School Player of the Year, as well as an All-American, Graves had several schools show interest in her playing at the next level. She said she considered South Carolina and the College of Charleston, but a visit to Furman convinced her where to go to college.

"I've been told lots of athletes step on campus and know where they want to go," Graves said. "It's so pretty, and I love the coach and that helped my decision."

Graves added that Furman appealed to her because it's a smaller university. She said the ability to be a part of a tight-knit community, where everybody knows each other, was appealing.

Another factor in her decision was the opportunity to compete for playing time immediately. She said that Furman will have openings at the outside back position and added that, if she works hard, she'll have a chance to play as a freshman. According to her coach at South Aiken, work ethic is one of Graves' strengths.

"She's a good leader and a hard worker," said David Mihoulides, who is entering his first year as the T-Breds' head coach but said he has been part of Graves' soccer career since she was in seventh grade. "She's a complete player and a good person. She's the total package, and it's going to be tough to lose her. She's a player you get once in a blue moon."

Along with dedication to hard work, Graves' strengths include the ability to communicate well and lead teammates, as well as her sense of anticipation and ability to make plays.

"She's got fantastic vision, and her knowledge of the game is fantastic, too," Mihoulides said. "She's a playmaker, and people look to her."

Before she plays for the Paladins, Graves will be called on to help shepherd along what figures to be a relatively young T-Bred squad this season.

That will be necessary for South Aiken to maintain the high level of play it has achieved the past three seasons, winning the Class AAA Lower State championship twice and advancing to the Class AAAA semifinals last year. When her playing days with the T-Breds are over, Graves said she's looking forward to moving up to the collegiate level.

"I'm excited for the competition and the atmosphere of college sports," said Graves, who intends to major in exercise science and pursue a career in physical therapy. "I want for (Furman) to win the SoCon championship, make the NCAA Tournament and go far. I want to make a difference."

Noah Feit is a reporter for the Aiken Standard and looks forward to celebrating a Giants' victory in the Super Bowl.