Former Big 12 Player of the Year Grace Collins joins Rice as graduate transfer

HOUSTON, Texas — Rice Soccer head coach Brian Lee has announced the addition of graduate transfer Grace Collins for the 2022 season.

“Grace is a wonderful addition to the program and we could not be any more excited for her to join us,” said Lee. “She is a proven high achiever on the field and in the classroom who will seamlessly fit into the Rice student-athlete culture.”

Collins joins the Owls after spending the last three years at TCU, where she helped the Horned Frogs to three NCAA Tournament appearances, two Sweet Sixteen’s, and a spot in the Elite Eight in the 2021 spring season.

The Houston native had her best season during the spring campaign, leading the squad with eight goals and placing second with 18 points as she was named the Big 12 Player of the Year and First Team All-Big 12 while becoming just the third player in school history to earn United Soccer Coaches All-American honors.

Collins sits atop the TCU career assist list with 23 while placing sixth with 61 points and 10^th with 19 goals. She is also a standout in the classroom having twice earned Academic All-Big 12 honors.

“I am super excited to get my Master’s degree at Rice and get to play at such a great program in the city that I grew up in,” said Collins.

Lee added, “We have enjoyed success with transfers like Mijke Roelfsema becoming an All-American and Academic All-American, and Serena Pham, who is a healthy season away from doing the same. Grace is already one of the best players in the country, but I think the best is yet to come for both her and Rice Soccer.”

The remaining 2022 signing class will be announced later this spring.