Grace Walter didn't have to look far to find her competitive edge. Growing up in a bustling house with three siblings—an older brother at the Air Force Academy, a younger sister at Penn State, and a brother in high school—she learned early that nothing came without a fight.
 
"We were all super close in age, which meant we were on the same sports teams and in the same friend groups," Walter said. "That really helped me value friendship within my family."
 
Competition was a way of life. Whether it was basketball, soccer, or anything competitive, the games rarely ended quietly. "It really sucked to lose," she said. "My older brother was super competitive, and any game we played, we were definitely the last to quit."
 
That relentless spirit now fuels her on the lacrosse field at William & Mary, where she's learned to channel grit into purpose.


Finding Balance
 
Walter is majoring in accounting—a nod to her father's own career—and she's embraced the challenge of balancing academics and athletics at a place known for both. "I'm currently majoring in accounting," she said. "Balancing athletics and academics is something I had to grow up getting used to. I went to a rigorous high school, and that taught me time management and figuring out my priorities."
 
Her father's influence runs deeper than just her major. "My dad has been a really big role model for me," Walter said. "He put all of my siblings into a bunch of activities. We were always outside, not on the TV or our phones, and that was extremely impactful for me."
 
As a result, she's learned to lean on the people around her when the workload piles up. "It's crucial for me to give time to both academics and athletics," she said. "I have a lot of people who support me when I need it."
 
Building a Team Identity
 
For Walter, team culture isn't a buzzword—it's a requirement. "One of the biggest things I look for on a team is the team culture," she said. "After spending a lot of time with the people around me, I've grown to realize that this team truly does have so much love for each other, and we are always there for each other."
 
That closeness cuts across class years. "Usually, you'd think each class would be your best friends, but on this team, some of my best friends are two years older than me or one year younger," she said.
 
She's seen that bond translate to the field. "This is a special group this year," Walter said. "A lot of our players are underclassmen, which you're not really used to seeing. That shows how driven and gritty our team is. The chemistry off the field means we're always having each other's backs on it."
 
Last season, Walter didn't see much playing time, but she used that as motivation. "That really sparked something in me," she said. "I wanted to make a change and be someone who had an impact. I spent a lot of time running and grinding every day, and I'm really happy with where I'm at."
 
That dedication has translated into success this spring, as she currently ranks among the Coastal Athletic Association's best in both goals and assists.
 
Gratitude and Growth
 
Walter's journey has coincided with the program's growth—something she doesn't take for granted. "I'm super grateful for the facilities, the locker rooms, the training rooms, the new weight rooms," she said. "Our team deserves a lot of recognition. For our athletes to have the best experience possible, these facilities really add to all the opportunities we have."
 
She also credits the coaching staff with helping her become the player—and person—she wants to be. "I love our coaching staff," Walter said. "They see the potential in this team and in me. I've never really had coaches who have had such a positive impact on who I am. They have so much confidence in me. They're always there for me. Tough love—that's what I need."
 
Beyond lacrosse, Walter keeps life full. "Over the summers, I work at Stone Harbor Recreation," she said. "I manage pickleball and tennis courts in the mornings, and at night I'm a basketball coach and ref. Outside of school, I love listening to music, hanging out with my teammates and friends, and going on long walks in Colonial Williamsburg. One of my favorite things to do is go to the beach at College Creek."
 
She even picked up a new hobby over break. "I made a joke to my dad about playing the guitar, and when I came home for winter break, he got me one," Walter said. "I spent the whole break learning how to play more than 30 songs. I didn't bring it back with me, but I'm excited to keep working at it this summer."
 
For Walter, the lessons learned at home—competition, connection, and commitment—continue to shape her journey at William & Mary. "I love to win, and I love to work at it," she said. "That's something that's really important to my identity."