“I just love soccer,” she said. “I’ve only been playing for a total of four years. My friends and family say I smile more and, believe it or not, I don’t feel as much pressure on the soccer field.”

After a visit to Division III Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina, Tracey felt right at home and knew that was the right choice.

“The campus is absolutely beautiful, (but) it’s not huge, so it’s easy to get around,” she said. “The professors I met were very friendly, and the weather is warm and no snow,” she added with a smile.

And what about the soccer program?

Submitted photo In this file photo, Eisenhower goalie Tracey Jakubczak makes a save during a soccer game last season.

“They made me feel really welcome,” Tracey added. “They seemed like they are a close team and the coaches are just fantastic humans.”

Tracey is the daughter of Wendy MacQueen and Ryan Jakubczak of Russell/

“It’s exciting to think she is now a college student athlete. I know that there is going to be a period of adjustment for sure, and with how hard she works, she has to be careful to not let herself get burned out in the process, but this has been her dream, so I know she will give it everything she has in her to be successful in the classroom and on the field,” Wendy said.

Ryan, a former college athlete himself, is fully aware of what his daughter has ahead of her, but hasn’t lost focus of just what Tracey has accomplished.

“She is just a natural athlete. She has only been playing soccer for the last four years. I’m just so incredibly proud of her. Tracey will have to learn to manage her time, but once she figures that out, she’ll be fine.”

Tracey’s job protecting the net aligns perfectly with her career goal, as she will major in administration of justice with the goal of ultimately becoming a K-9 police officer.

“I’d like to stay in North Carolina,” she said. “I would love to play soccer professionally for a few years, if possible.”

Tracey’s high school soccer coach, Faith Johnson, has no doubt that Tracey can be successful at the college level.

“She is a natural athlete, her awareness on the field and ability to think steps ahead of what is actually happening is impressive,” Johnson said. “Catawba is getting an amazing person and a talented soccer player. Tracey just leaves a positive impression on everyone she meets. We will certainly miss her in the net for us this year, but I can’t wait to see how she prospers in this next chapter.”

Being nine hours away from home doesn’t bother Tracey, but her parents know that will be a challenge to see her play in person.

“It will be difficult for sure, but with technology to help us, we will do our best to see her whenever we can,” Ryan said. “Her mom has made a career change to be more available. I made the decision to quit my job and start a small business to have the freedom to participate in her college experience.”

Tracey Jakubczak may be a day’s drive from home, but she can’t wait to get started.

“It’s going to be a challenge for sure, but I’m ready for it,” she said with a smile.