From Here to Castellón: Gracie Scott

RABUN COUNTY, Ga. - Gracie Scott is a name to keep your eye on in the growing world of women’s soccer. From small-town fields to an international stage, Scott is driven to success by her love for the game.

Scott graduated from Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in 2024 after a four year stint with the girl’s varsity soccer team. She was also a member of the mountain biking team. Scott was captain of the soccer team in her junior and senior seasons, leading Rabun Gap to a 14-5 record and their first conference championship in 12 years during the latter. She was a two-time all-conference honoree, 2024 conference player of the year, and two-time NCISAA 4A All-

State Team honoree.

Scott was highly involved in her community, earning Rabun Gap’s Julia Palmour award last year for just that. She was also an inaugural member of the Forward Rabun Youth Leadership Program. Gracie gets this from her parents Jake and Courtney, co-owners of the outdoor store/brand Wander North Georgia.

Today, Gracie is a midfielder for FC Odisea in Castellón de la Plana, Spain. I was able to ask Scott a couple questions about her past, present, and future with the world of soccer:

What was it like growing up in Rabun County? Any particular memories that really highlight the culture of Clayton?

“Growing up in Rabun County was the classic small-town experience. Especially when I moved here in 2015, it felt like everyone knew everyone and everything about each other. I think that affected me in two ways. First, it gave me such a strong sense of community. And second, it made me appreciate my own presence. Growing up somewhere where everyone is so familiar, you often feel that everywhere you go, you are welcomed and accepted, which is so valuable.

But on the other hand, it also made me value privacy and solitude. I wanted to do things on my own because not everything is meant to be shared.”

To connect that to my soccer journey, I find it so important to be surrounded by a team that welcomes and cares for you and wants you to grow into your best self. But at the same time, I’ve learned that the person who is really going to make those changes and become the best player and person they can be is yourself.”

How long has soccer been a part of your life? What is your earliest soccer memory?

“Soccer has been with me almost my whole life. Some of my earliest memories are from learning what it meant to put in real effort—my dad showing five-year-old me how to block shots in the goal, my assistant coach teaching me the right way to run. And I still remember the first time I made a big save or made a run with the ball down the sideline—they were the moments where I found that with effort comes results.”

You were a decorated player at Rabun Gap. How did that team/school help prepare you for FC Odisea?

“Rabun Gap was a huge part of my development. Coach Jesse Greener, who came in my sophomore year, really changed the way I saw the game. She made the focus of our team be on the quick one touch and two touch passes, which hadn’t been solely focused on in any other team I had played with. Having to hone in on those aspects was super telling in how I play now. Quick, simple, and effective. I was lucky to be named team captain my junior and senior years and to earn multiple honors—including All-State and Conference Player of the Year. But beyond awards, it was the team culture, leadership experiences, and high-level training that helped me grow and prepare for a more professional environment like Odisea.”

Was it scary to go off on your own to start building your career?

“Definitely. It was overwhelming at first—leaving home, stepping into a completely new country, and trying to prove myself all over again. But I knew it was something I wanted, and that made the fear easier to face.”

What was your first day at FC Odisea like?

"It was a whirlwind. There were only six of us international girls, surrounded by more than 70 male players, and we were crammed into a very hot classroom. We were all a little scared of what was ahead, but at the same time, there was a real sense of excitement and relief—like, we made it here. It was a very short day, just going over how everything would run, as well as tour, and lots of meetings. I think the first day was also the way the girls became close so fast, because we were all intimidated by what surrounded us, but we faced those fears together.

What does a typical day in your life look like now?

“During the season in Spain, my days were really structured. I’d start the morning with practice and sometimes a physio session, then head home to shower and reset. Midday was usually gym or recovery work, and then we’d have another training session in the evening. Outside of soccer, I’d rest or spend time with my teammates. We would go to the beach a lot on Sundays as in Spain basically everything is shut down on that day. So it would be the best time to go relax and spend time together. Now that I’m home, things are a bit more flexible. I usually go to the gym a few times a week in the mornings and try to get in sessions on the field or go for runs whenever I can. I still like having a routine—it helps keep me focused even in the off-season.”

Who are some of your favorite players or inspirations?

“Rose Lavelle is definitely my favorite. Her control on the ball, her creativity, and her vision of the game—it’s poetic. And what I admire most is that she’s always unapologetically herself, on and off the pitch. I try to carry a bit of that with me in how I play and live.”

Where do you see yourself in five years?

“I’m heading back to FC Odisea for a second season while taking online classes, but beyond that, I’m open. I want to play this game for as long and as far as I possibly can. I don’t have a set finish line—I just want to keep chasing growth.”

I know you like to bake, draw, and sew as well. How have those projects been going?

“Those things are still such important parts of who I am. They give me a sense of calm when life gets busy. I haven’t had as much time for them during the season, but when I’m stressed, bored, or overwhelmed, they help me rein myself back in. I did a lot of baking while in Spain, as it is something that really helped me connect with others. Especially now that I’m home, with a lot more time on my hands, I definitely dive back into all of those hobbies.”

What were some of the culture shocks going from Clayton to Castellón?

“There weren’t many huge shocks, but I think just the pace of life is totally different. Having a relaxed schedule, where there is no rush, a two hour siesta time, is very different to how I grew up so that was definitely shocking. I think another culture shock was the difference in meal times. In Spain dinner was normally not until 9 or 10 pm which is a very high difference from in the US.”

What’s been your favorite part of living abroad?

“The people. Whether it was teammates, coaches, or even the staff at our favorite café, Piccadilly, the connections I made made every day special. And of course, the beach made a lot of things better! But honestly, the team dinners and quiet moments in the park in the city center might be my favorite—those small joys stuck with me the most.”

What’s your favorite moment with FC Odisea so far?

“It’s hard to pick just one. Practices were amazing because of the energy and how much we all enjoyed pushing ourselves. But some of my most cherished memories are from our team dinners. Everyone brought so much joy into the room, and it really felt like I was part of a family. And I think those dinners were the perfect representation of the culture of Spain, everyone is kind, welcoming, and extremely tight knit.”

What’s your favorite place in Castellón?

“Honestly, some of my favorite spots were the quiet little parks around the city. But my favorite was probably the park in the city center. With all of the beautiful greenery, the green parrots and the swing-set of course, it was definitely a favorite place of mine.”

Was there anything you weren’t expecting when you started playing for Odisea? Happy surprises?

“Yes—the community that formed so quickly among the players. I didn’t expect to feel so close to everyone so fast. There’s something really special about going through something new together—it bonded us in ways I didn’t see coming.”

What are some of your favorite sports teams to root for?

“I love watching the USWNT, of course—they’ve become so electric as a team and their chemistry is invaluable. Lavelle is always someone that I’m following, she is an absolute joy to watch. On the field she has incredible speed, footwork and vision, and off of it she is completely herself which is very admirable to me.”

What are your plans after FC Odisea?

“Right now, I’m focused on this next season and continuing to grow. Long-term, I want to see how far I can go in this game. Whether that’s staying in Europe, coming back to the States, or something unexpected—I’m open to the journey.”

Find Gracie on Instagram to follow her journey @graciejaysoccer.