Grace College junior Mallory Rondeau, who starred at Wawasee High School, has some outstanding numbers on
the field and in the classroom (Photos provided by Jeff Nycz)

WINONA LAKE – The numbers really don’t lie when it comes to just how impressive a student-athlete Mallory Rondeau truly is.

The Grace College soccer star boasts eye-popping performances on the pitch this season for her squad.

Rondeau, a junior forward who played at Wawasee High School, has has some season on the field for coach Michael Voss’ talented team.

Rondeau has helped lead the Lancers to a program best No. 17 ranking in the NAIA polls.

Rondeau has had a goal or an assist in nine straight games and leads the Lancers with 13 goals and 10 assists. She had the lone goal in a 1-0 win over Huntington in the conference tourney opener on Nov. 1, scoring in the 87th minute.

Rondeau converted the fifth penalty kick chance Saturday as host Grace topped St. Francis 5-3 in penalty kicks to win the semifinal contest of the Crossroads League Tournament. The game was tied at 1-1 after Rondeau assisted on a goal by teammate and former WCHS star Meredith Hollar with just 20 seconds left in regulation play and then St. Francis scored with only 13 seconds left to tie it.

Rondeau has helped Grace win seven straight matches and earn a spot in the finals of the league tourney for just the second time in program history (2012 was the other). The Lancers (13-3-3) will play at Spring Arbor Saturday at 3 p.m. in the conference tourney title game. With a win, the Lancers earn their first-ever berth in the NAIA National Championships.

Mallory Rondeau and her talented team will play in the conference tournament title match this Saturday at Spring Arbor. The program is trying to earn its first-ever berth to the NAIA Nationals.

But even more impressive is another number for the humble, competitive standout of the Lancers.

3.92.

That’s the amazing grade-point average Rondeau maintains as a biology major for a program known for its academic prowess.

“I’m proud of my GPA and I definitely strive to get all A’s,” said Rondeau in a recent phone interview. “I do study hard and there are a lot of late nights that go into it. But, I try to manage my time wisely.

“Our entire team has high standards when it comes to grades.”

Rondeau earned All-American honors in 2012 as a freshman. This year, she was the Co-Offensive Player of the Year in the Crossroads League and a COSIDA Academic All-District choice.

“It’s amazing and humbling to get those awards, but this is a team sport,” Rondeau said. “It’s definitely not an individual thing. I just thank God for giving me the abilities that he has. As a team, it does not matter who it is scoring the goals, we celebrate together as a team and that’s what makes us successful.”

Voss, now in his eighth season as the Grace coach, knows he has a special one in No. 4.

“I’m just really proud of Mallory,” said Voss. “She’s a leader in terms of the academic success that our team has had. Our girls throughout our program work hard in the classroom and Mallory is a leader there with her major. The last three years our team has been academic national champions.

“Mallory wants to be an orthopedic surgeon.  I can tell you that I would want her to be my doctor.”

Rondeau brings a balance to the team too, according to her coach.

“She’s just a hilarious, fun person,” said Voss. “I’m just very happy for her this year. It’s been rewarding to see Mallory’s success this year. She’s just been delivering for us and I’m so proud of her, her attitude and her focus. I know she will make something happen when we need it to. She likes to be that person who will get it done and she’s not afraid of pressure.”

Rondeau does not need to look far to find inspiration at those tough moments in games.

She writes the word “JOY” on her right knee prior to every match.

“It’s something to remind me of why I play and that’s for Jesus Christ,” said Rondeau. “I play the game with joy and I hope people see that. It’s definitely a good reminder to look down and see it when things are not going our way.

“It’s definitely good encouragement for me.”

It’s also appropriate for an outstanding young lady who has brought a lot of “JOY” to Grace soccer fans this fall.