Girls Varsity Soccer | 6/21/2021 9:08:00 AM

For 2020 CGA graduate Heather MacNab, a gap year was not originally part of the plan.
 
"I verbally committed to Princeton Women's Soccer when I was 15 years old," said the Carmel, IN native and four-year CGA Varsity forward. "The small campus environment and the kindness displayed by every person I encountered made Princeton feel like home from the moment I first stepped on campus."
 
But the Ivy League's controversial decision to initially suspend 2020 fall sports, and subsequently winter and spring sports, forced many to get creative in order to preserve eligibility and stay ready for the academic and athletic endeavors still ahead.
 
"Although this year has had countless unforeseen twists and turns, taking a gap year was the best decision I could have made," said MacNab.
 
The fall of 2020 saw an unprecedented number—as high as 40%—of incoming college freshmen considering alternatives to enrolling in their college or university, and for many, filling that time and finding avenues for continued growth was the biggest challenge; after all, travel and traditional work experiences were among the most impacted facets of day-to-day life by the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Initially, MacNab assumed a role as nanny and tutor, helping younger kids adjust to their new online curriculums. Then, she began washing dishes and prepping food at The Goat and Danny Boys in her hometown. Later, she assisted at Recovery Room USA, a facility designed to provide athletes with services to optimize performance via technologies like cryotherapy and neurospas.
 
But the time away from work proved to be most beneficial.
 
"I was also able to spend invaluable time with my parents," said MacNab of the time at home. "I was able to refine my cooking skills, which brought us closer as a family, but also helped give me a better understanding of how nutrition impacts my performance on the soccer field."
 
MacNab was fortunate to be able to put her developing appreciations for athlete nutrition and recovery to good use, training six to seven days a week with a small cohort of other athletes under the guidance of a dedicated trainer.
 
Most recently, she joined the roster of the Women's Premier Soccer League's (WPSL) Lady Victory FC, a semi-professional women's team based out of Indiana.
 
According to its website, the WPSL strives to provide the highest level of developmental opportunities for amateur players and team rosters consist of highly skilled female players from collegiate, post-collegiate, international, and stand-out prep athletes.
 
MacNab recorded a hat-trick in her debut game and the team's 6-0 win over the St. Louis Lions on June 5^th.

Heather's inspiring story in the midst of challenging year speaks of her humility, responsibility, and drive in pursuit of her goals," said CGA Soccer head coach Nate King. "Now that the class of 2020 has officially graduated, Heather is now an ambassador for Culver, CGA Soccer, and all they stand for."