As a record-breaking player in the world of NCAA Division III lacrosse, midfielder Grace Osborn ’25, primary education, continues to leave an indelible mark on the sport. Whether she is on the field or in the classroom, Osborn is building her legacy one goal at a time.
“I’ve always loved lacrosse. I first started playing in seventh grade. My best friend, Brenna Todd, she also plays here for Capital, got me into lacrosse. I got her into cross country. The first practice I came with her to, I loved it,” said Osborn. “I liked the competitiveness.”
As Osborn heads into her senior year at Capital, she holds at least three active Division III scoring records: the highest career points per game, the highest career goals per game, and the most goals in a single season. She also holds the Capital career record for goals, points, and draw controls.
In 2024, she received her second straight IWLCA Second Team All-American honor. Her impressive achievements for the season include being named to the IWLCA All-Region Great Lakes First Team, earning the OAC Midfielder of the Year award, securing a spot on the First-Team All-OAC, and receiving two IWLCA National Player of the Week selections.
“I don’t really pay attention to the records. I just stick with it. Paying attention to all the recognition just adds stress to lacrosse and lacrosse is my outlet for stress,” said Osborn. “I am grateful for the recognition though.”
Osborn’s passion for lacrosse extends beyond her own performance. She is a mentor to her little sister’s high school team and an advocate for the sport across Central Ohio. Osborn graduated from Pickerington Central High School.
“As I was moving from eighth grade to high school, my coach said that I reminded him of his daughter. I picked the number four to wear, which was her number, and it just stuck. My coach kept my jersey for my little sister, so now she also wears number four,” said Osborn. “She’s a sophomore in high school and way better than I was at that time.”
In addition to a career as an educator, Osborn hopes to coach after graduation.
“It doesn’t feel like my senior year, hasn’t really hit me. I really like the program here at Capital for education. For my fall semester I’ll be in a classroom for four hours a day, and then in the spring, before I graduate, I’ll be a student teacher,” said Osborn. “I’m really excited to do student teaching. Being on my own, that’s what I’m excited for.”
Whether on the field or in the in the classroom, Osborn’s legacy is one of excellence, love of the game, and a relentless pursuit of her goals.
“With her determined personality, she is always willing to grow through lacrosse. She offers lessons all year round to pass along her knowledge and skill to younger players. She coaches for a local club team and also helps a high school team during our spring season. I truly think she would be an amazing coach, whether it’s locally or collegiately because of her knowledge of the game,” said Stacey Florence, head women’s lacrosse coach at Capital. “I’m very proud of not only the athlete she has become but the person as well.”
As Osborn prepares for her senior year, her journey is far from over.
“As her senior year approaches, I’m looking forward to seeing how far she can go. She has set the bar very high every season, but I believe she still has a lot more to give,” said Florence. “If she sets her mind to something, whether it be a personal goal, setting up her teammates, or trying to get open, she will accomplish that and then some. If you tell her she can’t do something, she will go above and beyond to prove you wrong. She has spent endless hours in the Capital Center and Bernlohr Stadium to perfect her skills, and it shows come competition time.
“She is leaving a legacy at Capital and NCAA Division 3, and I’m excited to see how she finishes her stellar career.”
To learn more about Women’s Lacrosse at Capital, visit http://athletics.yj1001.net/sports/womens-lacrosse.
For more information about education at Capital, visit http://globalexp.newark.yj1001.net/academics/education/.