Marty Gordon

NRVsports@ourvalley.org

One of Radford High School’s top female soccer players will continue her career at the University of South Carolina (USC) Upstate. Mary Elliott announced her intentions earlier this week.

Elliott said USC Upstate is a mid-sized college that is the perfect size.

“I chose USC Upstate because I wanted the chance to play soccer at the next level. I also loved the friendly atmosphere there. The team was so welcoming and friendly and the college is so suited for me. It’s a midsize college and that’s perfect size, not too small or big,” she said.

USC Upstate is located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and was formerly known as the University of South Carolina-Spartanburg. It is home to 6,000 students and a member of the Atlantic Sun, NCAA Division I athletic conference.

The Spartans were 0-14-3 this past season and only loses three seniors from the roster.

The Bobcats finished as the state 1A/2A runner up in 2016 and return almost everyone to this year’s squad that should make a run deep into the playoffs again.

Elliott was second team all-West region as she scored 14 goals with 16 assists. Her coach, Darrell Gillispie, said she can play any position on the field and has never come off the field in the past two years. She is one of two returning seniors for the Bobcats this spring.

“Upstate is getting a soccer player with unlimited potential. She is an outstanding student and a great young lady,” Gillispie said.

Elliott believes she has learned a lot at Radford High School she believes will help her at the next level. “Our soccer team makes it to states every year which has taught me the skills I need. I’ve also played with the many of the same girls and coach from since I was eight years old which has formed bonds I will never forget. But Radford has really prepared me to play at the next level socially and athletically,” she said.