By Garrett Eagan, McDaniel Guru
With teams at McDaniel, we forget the behind the scenes people who make the difference. Sophomore Mary Grace Gonzalez is both a matriarch and friend to many members of the lacrosse and soccer players. As the manager for both teams, Gonzalez makes a lot of things happen even though her influence is rarely heralded in newspapers or on the local college television station.
Known as “MG” to the players, Gonzalez has been a manager for several teams both at McDaniel and also at River Hill High School. However, those who know her from River Hill and McDaniel contend, she is much more than a manager.
“I went to high school with Mary Grace and I know firsthand that she has always been this caring,” said senior lacrosse player Kristin Mele. Other players add to this same description of Gonzalez.
“She rarely gets recognition for all of the time, effort, and dedication she puts into the athletic programs here at McDaniel,” said freshman lacrosse player Kelly Scheler. She added that Gonzalez volunteers her free time to help both the soccer and lacrosse teams with literally everything they do. Her roles range over a large variety of responsibilities, some that are not even expected of her.
Gonzalez supplies an extra pair of everything from clothes, socks, water, and even cleats to each practice. She re-supplies balls to keep practices going, and also provides insights on the players’ performances. “She is always very judicious with her answers, giving just enough info to benefit the player and coach,” said women’s soccer coach Bryan Shumaker. In addition, Gonzalez’s dedication is echoed amongst coaches.
“If we are out there at practice at 5:30 in the morning in the middle of February, so is Mary Grace? If we are outside in the pouring rain, so is Mary Grace,” said women’s lacrosse coach Muffie Bliss. She also helps with off the field elements as well. Gonzalez helps pick movies to watch on away games, takes the food orders, and keeps track of stats and equipment. The list of responsibilities is endless.
“I am the person everyone comes to when they need something, whether it is tissues, bandages, snacks, or even gum,” said Gonzalez. In the little time she has beyond practices and games, she enjoys watching television, hanging out with friends, and even baking cookies and cupcakes. However, it’s what she brings to athletics that allows her to shine.
As Mele made clear, “she is our event planner, our alarm clock, our brains, and our mother sometimes?none of us ever hesitate to ask her for something because she ALWAYS comes through with whatever we need?she is amazing!”