The Washington Huskies are making strides to overcome challenges and etch their legacy in the NCAA this season. In this impressive journey, Grady Gross and his team stand out as the only unbeaten squad in the regular season after a victorious encounter with Washington State.
Guiding the team to a flawless 12-0 season, Grady emerged as a phenomenal force, particularly showcasing his remarkable contributions in the last match. The team, recognizing his significant impact, couldn’t help but surprise Grady with a well-deserved honor.
Who is Grady Gross?
Grady Gross rarely fails to bring a unique prowess to the team, contributing significantly to their victories. As a second-season veteran, Gross has shouldered all place-kicking responsibilities throughout this season, showcasing his consistency since his debut with UW in the second game of the previous season.
The significant part he played in the Huskies’ victory over the USC Trojans this season serves as evidence of Gross’s noteworthy dominance. It led to a poignant moment where star player Caleb Williams couldn’t hide his emotion after the game.
In their latest showdown on Saturday, Gross emerged as the hero, securing a 24-21 victory for Washington in the Apple Cup. His remarkable 42-yard, game-winning field goal against Washington State not only sealed the win but also kept the Huskies’ College Football Playoff aspirations alive, per the Seattle Times.
This game-winning kick marked Gross’s fifth successful field goal from a distance of at least 40 yards this season, underscoring his crucial role in the team’s success.
Gross rewarded with a scholarship after a late win
Following the sensational victory, the Washington Huskies players hoisted Gross on their shoulders, escorting him triumphantly to the locker room. Inside, Coach Kalen DeBoer chose to mark the occasion, which coincided with Black Friday, by granting the sophomore kicker and former walk-on a well-deserved scholarship.
The Washington media team captured the touching moment when DeBoer formalized this choice.
“It’s Thanksgiving weekend and I’m thankful for Grady Gross. And you know what I hope Grady Gross is thankful for? This scholarship he’s earned,” the coach said about his kicker.
The coach at UW, in his second year, praised his players for their accomplishments, with a special mention of Gross as “an exceptional player.” He highlighted Gross’s unwavering commitment to giving his best performance, and the team was excited to acknowledge and commemorate his hard work. The recent victory of the Huskies presented the ideal moment to bestow the long-awaited honor upon him.
“It’s something we’ve been talking about as a staff. He’s earned it. He’s really had a great year. And I know he’s had a couple misses, but he’s just such a mentally tough kid. I see it every day in practice. We’ve seen big kicks in games and all of that. Certainly, we were just looking for the right time. Today was the right time to make that happen.”
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