Rhymes With Saves: Brendan Graves is One of the Top 'Keepers in BGSU Men's Soccer History
Medical Mutual
10/7/2023
Brendan Graves, a native of nearby Perrysburg, put together one of the top seasons by a goalkeeper in BGSU men's soccer history last year, as he and the Falcons set a school record for fewest goals allowed in a season. Graves was named the Mid-American Conference's co-Goalkeeper of the Year in 2022, and also earned All-MAC First-Team honors. This season, he has provided a rock-solid veteran presence on a young team, and has remained a consistent performer as the BG back line has been beset by injuries. As Graves and the Falcons prepare for the home stretch of the Missouri Valley Conference schedule, he took time to share his thoughts on a multitude of subjects…
Q: What did you do this past summer?
Graves: This summer I played with the Flint City Bucks. I spent a lot of time up in Michigan going to different cities and towns getting to know the other guys on my summer team, and had a really good time!
Q: When did you start playing soccer and how did you wind up gravitating toward the sport?
Graves: I started playing soccer when I was around 6 or 7 years old. I really wanted to play football, but I was super stubborn and didn’t want to play flag, I wanted to play tackle. So instead, I played soccer in the fall. But I played baseball, basketball and football as well until my freshman year of high school where I decided to take on soccer as my only sport.
Q: You are a native of Perrysburg, Ohio, just up the road from Bowling Green. When and how did you first become aware of BGSU men's soccer?
Graves: I really didn’t know how good BGSU was at soccer until I was in high school. All four years I went to the various camps the team would host and I fell in love with the residential camp. From there I always looked up to the guys on the team and pictured myself one day being a part of those camps as somebody other kids like me could look up to.
Q: What made you ultimately decide that you wanted to attend BGSU and play soccer for the Falcons?
Graves: After my visit I fell in love with the coaching staff, the players and the school. It felt like home. Even though the distance wasn’t that far from my hometown, I knew that this was a place I could fall in love with, and I did, especially the culture.
Q: After an amazing high-school career at Perrysburg, where you were named an All American, you played in just one match during your first season-and-a-half during the Falcons. How difficult was it to go from a full-time starter to a backup role?
Graves: Yeah, that was different for me for sure, but the culture we have here made it so easy for me to support the boys and do whatever I could so the guys on the field could compete to the best of their ability. And the cool thing is that all of the guys who were in the same role as me felt the same way. We all care about winning and being a brotherhood.
I definitely came to work every day, competed and learned a lot from the guys in front of me. I think this was super necessary for my growth and 100% made me the player I am today.
Q: In your second season at BGSU, you moved into the lineup for the final six games, beginning with a non-conference match at Oakland. You recorded your first shutout as a Falcon that night vs. the Golden Grizzlies. What are your memories from that game?
Graves: I remember the feeling of warming up and knowing that this was the night, and I kept telling myself to “be myself.” During the game I remember feeling comfortable and of course the shutout was the icing on the cake. I loved the feeling of winning and being on that field with the boys.
Q: BGSU made it to the MAC Tournament that season (the fall of 2021), but lost in the semifinals. But, after it seemed like the season might be over, the Falcons earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. How did it feel to see Bowling Green’s name in the bracket during the selection show and know that your season would continue?
Graves: That was a crazy turn of events. Thinking our season was completely over and going our separate ways for a few days, then coming back that Sunday to a text from coach saying, “we are going to watch the selection show.” I was in shock. Once that name popped up on the screen I think I was still in shock, but I was so excited to get the opportunity to keep playing, especially in the NCAA Tournament. That was a feeling I could never forget.
Q: In the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Louisville, you had another shutout as BGSU defeated the Cardinals to advance to the second round. What did that win mean to you and your teammates?
Graves: That win was so special. Going into one of the coolest environments in college soccer and getting that win together, after the way we thought our season ended, just proved to us how great of a group we were. Celebrating with the boys on the field, embracing each other after an upset like that was a feeling that is unmatched.
Q: Last fall, you had one of the top seasons by a goalkeeper in BGSU history, giving up only 10 goals all season and being named the MAC’s co-Goalkeeper of the Year. This season, just like last season, you have played every minute so far. But, with many newcomers joining the team and several injuries to key players – particularly defenders – a lot of different people have been on the field in front of you. We are just over halfway through the season now; how do you feel the team has come together since you began preseason training back in August?
Graves: It has been a wild season with a lot of rotation within our lineup. In the pre-season I could tell the new guys were going to fit right in and there isn’t a guy on the team I wouldn’t trust. The new guys learned early how hard it is to win college soccer games and they are certainly learning this is a different level than high school. From the competiveness to the speed of the game, they are figuring it all out. With that, we are finding our cohesion on the field and are starting to find that BG soccer standard.
Q: Do you have any pre-game superstitions or routines?
Graves: Before games I always shower, ever since I was in high school. I like to say a couple prayers and then listen to music. Other than that, I am usually pretty loose before the game.
Q: You are a business analytics & intelligence major at BGSU. What made you decide to study in that field, and what are your career goals after college?
Graves: Honestly, I loved the movie Moneyball and thought analytics was a really cool concept in high school lol. After being in that major for 4 years now, I have learned a lot about all the different ways it was used and I really enjoy it. In the future I would like to use my major to do something within the administration of sports where I am learning that a lot of analytics can go into sports and make a big difference behind the scenes.
Q: Who inspired or encouraged you the most athletically when you were growing up?
Graves: Growing up I thought my dad was the most athletic person on the planet so I wanted to be just like him. We always played different games together and he would win every time, and I would ask him day after day to help me get better and he (and my mom) would go out of their way to help me with drills or play games with me. But from a pro athlete standpoint, it was Derek Jeter, I loved his leadership and the way he played. I wanted to be like him.
Q: How would you describe your style of play?
Graves: I honestly have no idea what that would be. I don’t necessarily have one, but from the system we play I believe I am more on the aggressive side when it comes to services in and outside of the box.
Q: What is your go-to restaurant and/or meal?
Graves: I am going to have to go with Inside the Five in Perrysburg. Their chicken and waffles are something I could probably eat every day.
Q: Where is your favorite place on campus?
Graves: My favorite place on Campus is Cochrane Stadium. The feeling of the grass and being in there when it is empty brings me back to all of the memories and that feeling of winning in front of our supporters. But when the stadium is full on a gameday, absolutely nothing beats those vibes.
Q: Who is the funniest player on the team?
Graves: Trace (Terry), absolutely no question. Respect to former teammate Kale (Nichols); his jokes had a deeper level of humor that cracked me up. But everything Trace says and does. It's so hard to explain, but that kid can put a smile on your face even on your worst day.
Q: Describe Coach Nichols in one word…
Graves: Passionate. The way he loves his family, the way he treats his players, the way he loves the game. He cares about everything so deeply and you can really tell.
Q: What is your favorite thing about being a part of the BGSU men's soccer program?
Graves: That's easy - my teammates. The culture we have here has given me so many friendships that I know will be lifelong. I can’t imagine a better group of people through my years to play the game I love with.
Q: What are your goals, both personally and for the team, this season?
Graves: My goals are pretty simple; I want to help my team to the best of my ability to win the MVC and get into the tournament. After my freshman year and getting that MAC ring, I have only wanted to get another one and I am really looking forward to that process the rest of this season.
