Megan Gray’s soccer career isn’t over just yet.
The former Ankeny Centennial star has decided to take advantage of a fifth year at the University of Minnesota, putting off the start of her entry into the physical therapy graduate program.
“Originally, I had planned on beginning physical therapy school here at the U in the summer,” Gray said. “When the end of last season was nearing, I realized how much I loved the coaching staff and my teammates. I told myself that I would regret not taking advantage of my fifth year. I wasn’t ready to be done with Gopher soccer or be done being an athlete.”
Gray, who is primarily a midfielder, started all 17 matches for the Gophers last fall. She played multiple positions throughout the season and notched two assists.
Gray had one assist on the Big Ten Network against Illinois in a 5-0 win. She also had an assist in a 4-2 victory over Ohio State on the road.
Gray was named the winner of the Sportsmanship Award by the Big Ten Conference, which recognized one player from each of the league’s 14 teams for the honor.
In Erin Chastain’s first season as head coach, Minnesota finished with eight wins, the most since 2018. The Gophers posted a 1-0 win at Drake on Aug. 26.
Minnesota’s season ended with a ninth-place finish in the Big Ten standings. The top eight teams in the conference qualify for the Big Ten Tournament.
Gray, who helped the Gophers to the conference tournament title and an NCAA Tournament berth as a freshman in 2018, will now be back on the pitch for one final campaign. Three of her fellow seniors will also come back for a fifth year.
“Fortunately, I was able to hold my seat in the PT program and push my graduation back a semester in order to be able to compete next fall,” Gray said. “So, I decided to come back for another season!”