Senior Brian Grazier always dreamt of playing professional soccer.
His dream became a reality when the Colorado Rapids drafted Grazier in the Major League Soccer SuperDraft on Jan. 18.
“I was really excited [about being drafted],” said Grazier, a senior midfielder for the Saint Louis University men’s soccer team. “I know some of the guys out here on the team, so it has made the experience even better.”
Grazier said that he thinks he will fit in well with the young squad that went 9-13-8 last season and finished with 35 points in the Western Conference of the MLS.
“I have only been out here [in Colorado] for four or five days, but everyone has been really nice,” Grazier said. “There are a few older veterans on the team, but most people are younger, like 24 or 25. I know four or five guys from playing Under-17 residency in Florida,” Grazier said.
Among those players that Grazier is familiar with is former SLU standout John DiRaimondo, who was drafted fourth overall by the Rapids in 2007. Men’s Soccer Coach Dan Donigan said he is glad the two players have reconnected and thinks playing soccer together “is a great situation for both of them.”
“I don’t know much about the team, but I know that Johnny [DiRaimondo] is out there,” Donigan said. “It will be good for [Grazier] to reunite with him. They played together on the under-17 team here at SLU, and now they are back together. They are great friends, and it is cool that they have been together at three different levels now.”
Grazier has already reported for training camp in Colorado, and he said practices have been going well.
“It has been a lot of running so far with people trying to get back in shape,” Grazier said. “We have been doing some seven-versus-seven drills. The speed of the game is a lot different, and the weather has been a lot different. It is cold and windy and has been in the teens the whole time,” Grazier said.
Despite having a history of injuries, neither Grazier nor Donigan said they see injuries hindering Grazier as he starts his professional career.
“I think the injuries that Brian has had will only help him; I don’t see them as coming back and nagging him,” Donigan said. “With the injuries he has had, he has gained mental toughness-he can battle back and recover. He has had some tough times with injuries, and he has endured.”
Grazier, agreeing with Donigan, said he thinks the injuries that he sustained in the past have given him experience in dealing with physical setbacks.
“It is never good to get injured,” Grazier said. “Coming back is tough, but I know what it is like to be out for months at a time and what it is like rehabbing, so I think that is an advantage. I am not real worried about the injuries.”
Grazier said the outlook for the team is good, even though last year was the first time in five consecutive seasons that the Rapids missed out on the MLS playoffs.
“I know last year they did not make the playoffs, but they usually do make it,” Grazier said. “We have a better strength and conditioning coach now, so that is helping. We are just going to take it one day at a time,” Grazier said.
Donigan said he is pleased that Grazier’s dedication and hard work at SLU have paid off.
“We have had a lot of guys come through here [SLU men’s soccer], but with Brian, I was really keeping my fingers crossed that he would get a chance at the next level,” Donigan said. “He will make us very proud. This is a great opportunity for him, and I hope that he enjoys a long professional career. Brian is one of the classiest and most professional people that we have had in this program.”
