By Sean Collins
The “oohs” and “ahhs” of the fans are one of the best parts of sporting events. Fans go to events to be entertained and goals are primarily the most entertaining part of soccer matches. That is what the people want to see. When fans go to Arizona matches, along with the goals, the “oohs” and “ahhs” of the crowd are loud from, believe it or not, throw-ins.
It’s not just a standard throw-in, sophomores Jaden DeGracie and Paige Crouch are able to perform flip throw-ins and it is a sight to see. They run towards the touchline and perform a front-flip with the ball over the head. So, the ball is on the ground and they push off of it to complete the flip. Then they release the ball on the way back up.
“I was a gymnast before I was a soccer player,” DeGracie said. “I’ve done gymnastics since I was super little and then when I was eight years old I started doing gymnastics and soccer. My club soccer coach showed me a video of a guy doing it and so then I went out and taught myself. Obviously, my gymnastics coach helped me; I didn’t just do it all alone. But I just picked it up and have done it ever since.”
Gymnastics seem to be a contributing factor to perfecting the skill for both DeGracie and Crouch.
“I played soccer and then I went to gymnastics for a bit,” Crouch said. “That’s kind of how I learned the flip throw, to do a front walkover and what not.”
If the throw-in spot is near midfield, DeGracie and Crouch can both throw the ball all the way to the 18-yard box.
“It’s just one of those things that, since I’ve been doing it since I was so young, it just gets better and better with experience,” DeGracie said. “As I’ve gotten older and stronger, I can throw farther and it has become even more dynamic.”
DeGracie, the consummate teammate, knows that throw-ins are not a one-way street. Her teammates have to win the ball out of the air and make a play.
“I want to help the team any way I can,” DeGracie said. “This is just one way that I know we can be effective. But, it’s not just me throwing; it takes my teammates to make it work. If I didn’t have girls to throw to that got after the ball, it would be useless. I’m just grateful to be on a team where the girls want to go score on those situations. That’s definitely helpful.”
Head coach Tony Amato takes full advantage of the two throwers unique abilities whenever they are on the pitch.
“It’s definitely helpful that coach Amato is so supportive of it and utilizes it,” DeGracie said. “If I was on a team where we didn’t use it all, I feel like that would just be a waste.”
Fortunately for DeGracie, her coaches and teammates have been smart enough to realize that her skill can be very useful and take advantage of it whenever possible.
“I’ve been on teams before where set pieces were huge, like in high school” DeGracie said. “I would get a lot of assists off my throws but this is a whole new level so it’s hard. But I’m hoping that we can capitalize on it this year, like we did last year.”
To see DeGracie and soccer team in action, come to Mulcahy Stadium on Friday at 2 p.m. when they host No. 21 USC.
