WESTERVILLE, Ohio – On February 19, 2022, Capital University women’s lacrosse set out for their season opening game vs. Albion College. That game also served as the debut for then-freshman midfielder Grace Osborn. By the end of the game, Capital triumphed over the Brits 18-3, being led by a six goal performance from Osborn. From that moment on, fans of the sport and of Capital Athletics have been treated to one of the most historic careers in the history of collegiate women’s lacrosse. 

Osborn’s prowess on the field has continued to re-write the record books at Capital, in the Ohio Athletic Conference and in the NCAA. Additionally, the two-time All-American and 2024 OAC Midfielder of the Year, has continued to impress in the classroom, getting the job done with a 3.63 cumulative grade point average, majoring in Primary Childhood Education. She has become a multi-time Academic All-Conference and Academic All-District recipient for her success among her studies. 

Recently crowned as the all-time NCAA leader in goals scored, Osborn has continued to shine year after year and in the team’s opening game of the 2025 season surpassed the previous career record which had previously stood at 389 goals. What’s more is that Osborn sits just seven points to become the all-time leader in points as well. The drive to compete and excel has been something that has always remained true to who Osborn is as a person and as a competitor. 

“My resilience is my strongest contribution to my successes on the lacrosse field,” said Osborn. “Lacrosse is part of almost every day of my life, from watching film to putting in countless hours of work to enhance my skills. I strive to be the best that I can, and if I see a skill that needs work or that can be added to my play, I will practice until I get it right. I try to maintain a healthy lifestyle with running, lifting, stretching and simply nourishing my body. My lacrosse successes are not just built with a stick in my hand.”

As her senior season began, Osborn was selected by USA Lacrosse Magazine as the Preseason National Midfielder of the Year as well as a Preseason First Team All-American, with writers alluding to a real possibility that Osborn could finish her career with more than 600 points – a feat only ever imagined prior to this year. 

“Since I started lacrosse, I have been in love with the sport,” continued Osborn when referring to her passion for the game. “I would practice everyday after school and even practice after running cross country in junior high and high school. God is my motivation day-to-day. With every win or loss, I look to Him for guidance and thank Him for the blessings he has given me.”

Although Osborn will be remembered atop of record books and with countless awards for her play on the field, she would not be where she is without the help of her teammates. 

“I ultimately play for my teammates,” said Osborn. “They are the ones pushing me everyday in practice, supporting me, and covering my weaknesses. With such reliable teammates, it’s practically impossible for me to not have individual success.” 

As she entered her senior year, Osborn decided to return to her roots and compete on Capital’s cross country team – a sport she competed in during middle and high school. 

“I have always thought about joining the cross country team here at Capital, but with lacrosse being my main sport and having a busy fall ball schedule, I continuously chose not to run each year,” said Osborn when referring to her decision to join the team this year. “Having a more open fall schedule this year and knowing it was my last year of collegiate eligibility, it wasn’t a hard decision to run this year. The coaching staff along with knowing I would be building my endurance for lacrosse really sealed the deal for me.”

As she set sail on the cross country season, Osborn’s competitive nature and desire to be successful shone through almost immediately. In a very short time, Osborn announced herself within the Comet cross country record books, breaking into the program top-20 list on both the 5,000 and 6,000 meter courses in her first two collegiate races. By season’s end, Osborn would finish as Capital’s first All-OAC runner since 2012 and with the fourth fastest 6K race in school history. Additionally, her efforts helped the women’s program match their highest ever finish at the conference meet. 

“My competitive spirit has driven me to most, if not all of my achievements, especially in the past cross country season,” said Osborn as she reflected on her drive. “I strive to compete not only with opponents, but also myself. A competitive mindset benefits me, but more importantly pushes my teammates around me. I fully committed to every direction given by my coaches and used my competitive spirit to push myself at every practice and race. Competing is such a blessing, I strive to push myself to new limits with every opportunity I get.”

With her success on the field and on the course, Osborn still finds time to dedicate to her studies, maintaining her strong GPA as well as accruing several academic awards in both sports. 

“I chose Capital for the academic aspect along with the great amount of opportunities that the university would provide,” said Osborn when addressing her balanced commitment to athletics and academics. “Over the past few years at Capital, I have learned that it is easier to be a student-athlete if you combine your academics into your sport, and your sport into your academics rather than treating them with different levels of priority. I believe that the characteristics to be a great student are the same that it takes to be a great athlete, so I treat both commitments as top priorities.”

While balancing academics and athletics, it is important to maintain time management as well she says. 

“When it comes to time management of these two commitments, academics has the upper hand on time conflicts, but if it comes into conflict with my athletics, I make sure to manage my time and fit what I might’ve missed at practice into another part of my day,” concluded Osborn. 

As Capital women’s lacrosse continues their season, it remains in the goals of the team and Osborn to continue their push for more successes. As the defending three-time OAC Champions and three-time NCAA Tournament qualifiers, the program is hoping to make this season one of their best.