Through many years, Keystone’s top two goal scorers were forwards Grace Hagerman or Attalie Updegrove.
As they grew up on the pitch together, it was only natural for the two to sign their letters of intent together to play collegiate sports on March 9.
Hagerman signed her letter of intent to play for Malone University and Updegrove signed to John Carroll University.
“This is surreal. I have been thinking about since I was little and for it to actually happen is insane,” Updegrove said. “I am so grateful that I was able to grow up with (Hagerman). Now, I am able to sign with my best friend.”
According to them, playing college sports something that dreamt about since they were kids.
“(Signing) feels really special, especially because this was something that I’ve been dreaming about since I was little,” Hagerman said. “I was always playing soccer. This was something that I was working towards.”
Hagerman became the Wildcats’ all-time leader with 42 goals and 21 assists. She was named first-team all-district and Lorain County League. Updegrove was named second team all-LC8.
“We are the dynamic duo. That’s what I would say in my mind. We always play off of each other, which had flow perfectly,” Updegrove said.
Keystone girls soccer: Grace Hagerman sets school goals record
Keystone coach Tim Geisel was excited to see his two captains take the next step in their athletic careers.
"That is the most exciting thing that you can have. For me, it's almost like watching my own kids, when they signed their letters to move on," he said.
According to Geisel, Keystone's offense made great strides with the duo on the pitch from a goal-scoring and leadership standpoint.
"They are both unselfish players," Geisel said. "Until we put (Hagerman) in the forward position, you almost had to force her to take a shot. She wanted to get everyone involved and Attalie (Updegrove) was just as willing (to play defense when needed)... Both of them were willing to play where I would need them. Both of them were leaders. They were always at practice and would come in with ideas."
With captains that unselfish, it grew infectious for the rest of the team.
"The team followed their lead," Geisel said. "We have gotten more girls out since they were here. Watching them, seeing how they play and they want to have that team comradery. They want to have that family (atmosphere) that we are always work hard on."
Hagerman and Updegrove had great chemistry together as technicians on the pitch to form an effective duo.
