Division I Transfer Takes Unique Journey to Chaminade

Gracie Bowers is a senior midfielder from Murietta, California, who plays on the Chaminade women’s soccer team. She is one of the team captains and is leading the team with 12 points, 5 goals, and 2 assists on the season. A year ago Bowers was considering quitting the sport she grew up loving. 

Bowers ​​committed to California State University of Bakersfield during her junior year of high school with just the idea of wanting to go to a Division I school. She then went to Bakersfield for her freshman season and it just was not the place for her. After that Bowers transferred to California Baptist University during the Covid-19 pandemic and played her sophomore and junior seasons there. 

Bowers loved the school and everything about it, but unfortunately, faced a lot of problems with the coaches and wasn’t treated the best there as a soccer player. She thought she was done playing soccer but was given an opportunity five weeks before the start of the season, to come to Hawaii to study and play soccer. 

The senior midfielder is now playing in her final season here at Chaminade and has led the women’s team to a winning season for the first time in program history with a conference record of 4-2-3 and an overall record of 7-5-3. The silverswords finish their season Saturday when they host in-city rival Hawai’i Pacific University at Saint Louis Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. The team will celebrate and honor several seniors following the final whistle. 

Bowers’ journey to Chaminade has given her a unique perspective on a student athlete’s journey through college athletics. 

“She has been able to identify with players in every role on the team and support her teammates as they traverse through the ups and downs of student-athlete life.” Richardson said. “She came to Chaminade as a strong and determined player with a clear view of what she valued in a program.”

Bowers is a determined student who is majoring in Business Administration and after college would like to attend law school. Bowers also shows great determination on the field.  

“She has done incredibly well at Chaminade by working hard, having a high soccer IQ, and is driven to compete.” Richardson added “she has been able to perform in our offensive system through her understanding of the game and the tactical system we play. She has exceptional vision and distribution. She has a strong shot and has been able to take advantage of opportunities to score.” 

Bowers has been able to help lead the Chaminade women’s soccer team to a current overall record of 7-5-3 which is the first winning season for the program ever. The team is currently fifth in the PacWest Conference standings.

Bowers credits her success to her trainers and how hard she worked during the summer. She is also thankful for her parents for pushing her to be the best she can be on and off the pitch. Her dad Sean Bowers played professional soccer for the Kansas City Wizards in the MLS. He has been able to pass down his knowledge of the game to Bowers.

Bowers said, “He knew my potential and didn’t let me settle for anything less.” 

Bowers is thankful for a lifetime dedicated to this sport. She also appreciated having been able to meet so many amazing people. 

“There were many highs and lows during this journey,” Gracie said. “I think the biggest low was not knowing where I was going next and if I was going to play anymore. It made me question my confidence and myself as a player. But once I figured out the next steps, I was able to gain that confidence back. There were also many highs, including going to Division I schools and playing. Little highs include scoring and doing the things I do well. I will forever cherish the memories I have made with the many people I have met.”