Senior Celebration Series: Women's Soccer

At Rensselaer, we are proud to recognize the student-athletes who are members of the Class of 2021. We thank them for their hard work, dedication and tremendous efforts in representing the Institute in a first-class manner academically and athletically. We wish them well in all their future endeavors. 

MACKENZIE GRENIER

Warwick, Rhode Island | Chemical Engineering

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: I don't have just one memory that stands out as a favorite because there have been so many great moments. However, one feeling that sticks out as my favorite is that of game day. It's the type of feeling that makes you leap out of bed, rather than roll; that gets everyone on the team bubbling over with excitement and smiles; and that gets your heart racing with anticipation and intensity. It is a feeling I will always cherish and one that I hope I can find in a new aspect of my life as I progress beyond RPI.

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: The people. I owe so many of my favorite memories at RPI to the people I have met throughout my time here. Words cannot begin to express how grateful I am for those I have met, so I'll just leave it at this: thank you to all the people who have been a part of my RPI journey -- your impact on my life and who I am will stay with me forever. 

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• With a bright smile, she is always there with a helping hand and an ear to listen to you. No problem is too small or challenge too great for Mac to tackle. She is a great friend and even better teammate. I wish I had gotten more opportunities to play soccer with her/get to know her.
• I love that you bring such a positive and enthusiastic attitude into everything you do. A truly awesome human being. I'm gonna miss whipping around in your car with the windows down and music blasting.
• MacK is one of the most selfless hardworking individuals that I have met. What makes her so special is her infectious smile and positivity. You'll never see MacK without a smile and she is always there to check-in and be there for her teammates. I know she will be very successful wherever life takes her!
• One of the first times I talked to her I remember she was super friendly and that made me feel even more welcomed on the team.
• Mack is one of the most kind hearted people I’ve ever met and someone everybody should strive to be like as a teammate. She’s never without a smile on her face and always finds ways to lift the team up, whether it be by making a small joke in the huddle or leading by example and working her hardest everyday. We are definitely going to miss Mack’s positive attitude and amazing sense of humor for years to come.
• From a coach: When MacK came for her official visit, she needed to leave before our game wrapped up so we weren’t able to give her a proper send off. When we made our way to the locker room post-game, we saw a note that had been left by her on the white board. While it made us laugh, it also confirmed to us that MacK was exactly the kind of person we were looking to add to our roster; forward-thinking, reliable and cognizant of others. She quickly grew into a leadership role and made a huge impact on the people of this program, whether she realizes it or not. We will forever be grateful for MacK's loyalty to us and we can’t wait to see the impact she makes on her new community as she moves forward in life. 
• From a coach: Mack is one of the kindest souls you will ever meet. She is a fantastic teammate who makes everyone feel at home and part of the team. This team will miss Mack the player but even more so Mack the person. We wish her the best and know she will be a light and positive impact wherever she goes. 

MICHELLE LOMOZ

Oceanside, New York | Chemical Engineering

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: My favorite RPI Athletics memory is standing on ECAV field singing the National Anthem before each home game.

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: Rensselaer gave me friends and memories that I will cherish forever. I couldn't imagine playing soccer with a different group of girls. My team is my family and has had my back through everything. I'm so grateful for the time I've spent at RPI.

Post-Graduation Plans: Getting my MBA at RPI.

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• She brings her constant work rate and steady support wherever she goes. You can always count on her to have your back.
• I am inspired by your compassion, drive, and work ethic on and off the field. I think I recognized this the moment I saw you play my freshman year. I can't wait to play with you in the fall!
• One of the hardest working people I have ever met. At the few practices we were allowed to have this spring I got to see just how dedicated and hard working of a player she is.
• Michelle is extremely driven and hardworking. After tearing her ACL she gave her all to get back on the field, spending her free time getting stronger and regaining fitness. Her commitment to the sport and recovery is inspiring and she shows that if you really want something you have to be all in. With her drive and passion, I know Michelle will be successful in all she does.
• From a coach: Watching Michelle play will remind you why you love this game. She plays with such determination, grit, and passion...it makes everyone around her better. Watching her come back from missing back to back years is nothing short of inspiring. This team is so lucky to have such a talented player and leader returning in the fall. She will be the standard and lead the way. 
• From a coach: It took us a bit of time to figure out where Mich would be most effective on the field but once we found it there was no looking back. She quickly grew into an imposing, physical presence in the backline and she was ready for another solid performance her junior season before tearing her ACL. Mich has been out of action for a couple of years but we are looking forward to her return to the field next fall. We have no doubt that she will come back even more dominant than she was prior to injury and we are ready for an ESPN-worthy header goal.  

KATE NADEAU

Cohoes, New York | Industrial and Management Engineering

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: My favorite RPI Athletics memory was running into the tunnel giving everyone high fives every pregame as the team came out to start warming up. 

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: The blend of great academics along with a great athletic community made my time here so special and really allowed me to grow into the person I am today. 

Post-Graduation Plans: I am starting my career at Eversource Energy.

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• Kate is full of passion and hard work. Every practice and lift she would be giving her 110%. Her ability to push herself to new heights in the weight room was unbelievable. Watching Kate work is inspiring and seeing her work hard drove those around her to get to her level. She always pushed me to want to be better and push harder. She is an incredible athlete and brought so much passion to our team. I can't wait to see what her future has in store. 
• Something that always stuck out to me about Kate was her ability to lift up her teammates and raise the level of energy in the room. She truly embodies what it means to lead by example on the field, in the weight room and in everyday life around campus. Not only did she break records in the weight room, but she was also the first one to turn around and cheer on everyone else in the room, making everyone feel important. 
• I am inspired by your strength and dedication to get after it, especially at those early morning lift sessions :) I was so looking forward to watching you crush it on the field and in the weight room this past year. 
• From a coach: Simply put, Kate is the most selfless student-athlete we have had the honor of coaching. She transferred in at a time when we did not have a reserve goalkeeper and while she preferred competing as a field player, she took that role in stride and trained all summer and throughout the fall in case we needed her to step in. Ultimately, we did end up needing Kate to step in and she posted two shutouts with a perfect save percentage. Kate’s energy, excitement and love for the sport and this program is unrivaled and while we wish we had her for four seasons we are so fortunate that we had her while we did. 
• From a coach: Kate is the ultimate team player. In 2019, when our starting goalkeeper was out due to injury, she asked me to spend some extra time outside of practice to help her prepare. Her work rate and determination are unmatched and I firmly believe she can do anything she puts her mind to. I am beyond excited to see what the future holds for her.

CALEY PRUITT

New Hartford, Connecticut | Civil Engineering

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: My favorite thing about RPIWS is that we are tough and don't ever let anything stop us from what we want to accomplish. At the end of my junior season, we needed to win our last two games to make the Liberty League Tournament. We were able to get the winning goal in the last minute of double overtime against Vassar. It wasn't the win that's my favorite memory, it was the celebration afterward that stays with me. 

Off the field, the coaches put in so much effort to bring the team together in ways other than soccer. One year, we had a Halloween group costume contest. Seeing all of the groups come up with group costumes (Mario Kart, the cast of Shrek, etc.) is one of my most memorable experiences with the team.

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: RPI has so many different clubs and groups to join that it's incredibly easy to find your place and a good group of friends that become a second family. Personally, some of my closest friends from here I met freshman year and I plan on maintaining those relationships well after I leave the school. 

Post-Graduation Plans: I'll be returning for another semester to finish up my Master's degree in Civil Engineering. 

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• Caley always is working hard. She pushed herself on and off the field, always working to reach her goals. She is a great teammate and is always there to listen and offer support. Whether it's on or off the field, she's always there for her teammates. I'm excited to see where life takes her!
• I admire your perseverance and commitment to the game. I also love that you are always vibing to Big Booty. 
• Very easy to talk to and she always strives to do her best and work as hard as she can. 
• From a coach: Caley’s perseverance is nothing short of inspiring. Starting as a team manager to earning a roster spot and playing time, her evolution as a player is amazing. I always enjoy our conversations in the office and appreciate her thirst to improve. We are thrilled to have her back as a beacon of determination and a leader. 
• From a coach: If we want to talk about someone who has a never-say-never attitude, we talk about Caley. While she had an unconventional route to the team, she has showed tremendous growth and we are glad she is with us and will remain with us for one final season. Our strength coaches were singing her praises prior to the shut down and we are looking forward to seeing Caley pick up where she left off in a few short months. 

OLENKA SOKO

Fort Worth, Texas | Computer Science

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• She is very technical and precise but can always make you laugh. Serious when needed, Lenk brings her positivity and joy that is infectious. She makes your day better just by being there.
• Soko is a silent leader who is always working hard on and off the field. She may not be the most vocal, but she leads by example. Olenka is also extremely caring and supportive of her teammates. I can't wait to see what life has in store for her!
• I love your style, goofiness and ability to make me laugh. And on the field, your creativity on the ball brought something special to the game (aka breaking ankles). I wish I got the chance to play with you in the middle more. I believe we could have pulled off some really fun combos. One last thing, your music taste is FIRE.
• Made the transition onto the team much easier by simply being a friendly face.
• From a coach: We met Olenka at a summer camp that we were working in NH and she ended up getting placed on the team we were coaching. We are still thankful for that! Olenka was the most well-mannered and respectful players at camp and she carried that with her throughout her time at RPI. Soko settled in and had a breakout season her junior year, dominating the midfield play despite her small stature. While we were looking forward to seeing more Peruvian flair for her final season, we know she’s going to have a great impact on people beyond RPI. 
• From a coach: Soko was a soccer nut and had some of the fanciest footwork on the team. She spent countless hours before and after practice, putting in the extra work. Despite a short stature, I was always inspired when she battled with opponents twice her size. She never backed down from a fight. Her work rate and love for the game will be sorely missed. 

Attention Rensselaer student-athletes, coaches & staff: Should you wish to add any information or provide comments, please click HERE and submit the form.

as of May 18, 2021