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Sophomore Rachel Shipley may have the strongest Aggie pedigree of any athlete at Texas A&M. With relatives that live in Aggie lore, Shipley is continuing her family's legacy on the soccer field.
Her grandfather's name graces the building that houses the athletic department while her uncle is not only a legend in Aggie football, but also helped to create one of its greatest traditions.
Shipley's grandfather, John J. Koldus, was an All-American at Arkansas State. He later became vice president of student services for 20 years.
"My grandfather has always been such an inspiration because he was such a big part of Aggieland," Shipley said. "I want to be part of that too."
Shipley's uncle, Ray Childress, was an All-American defensive lineman at A&M in 1983 and 1984. Former A&M coach R.C. Slocum credited Childress for starting the "Wrecking Crew" defense.
Childress led the Aggies to the fifth-best pass defense in the nation during his senior year and is fifth all-time in tackles and sacks at A&M. Childress was also inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in the spring.
Shipley doesn't feel much pressure from her family's athletic success.
"I can see why people might think that," the midfielder said, "but [my family] has been really supportive. I've always loved A&M because they loved A&M," Shipley said of growing up in a family of Aggies. She was raised to bleed maroon.
After graduating from Plano West High School, Rachel's next destination was all but determined.
"Once the recruiting process started I looked at a bunch of different schools, but once I realized where I wanted to be and where I wanted to have my college experience, I realized there was no other place I'd rather be," Shipley said. "It has been the best decision I could have ever made."
Other than her family background, Rachel said her reasons for choosing A&M were common among students: "The people and the spirit of Aggieland."
Shipley believes that one cannot compare the University to anything.
"It's just so welcoming," Shipley said. "Everywhere you go there are people supporting you. The 12th Man is so cool. You can't really find it anywhere else."
As a freshman, Shipley played in all 24 soccer games that season. She had one goal and three assists in her 11 starts but also made an impact coming off the bench. Shipley matched her starting numbers with one goal and three assists after being subbed into games.
"I just wanted to do what I could and bring another level to the game when I got in," Shipley said, who wears No. 7.
During the offseason, Shipley has improved her skills with her club team. Her team, the Dallas Sting, will be playing for the National Championship later in the summer. Shipley said she enjoys the opportunity because it will help her get ready for the season.
With fall just around the corner, the Aggies are preparing to defend their fourth-straight Big 12 regular-season championship.
This will be no easy task after losing eight players including Ashlee Pistorious, who was responsible for 25 goals and nine assists in 2007. She received the 2008 Honda Sports Award for the best female soccer player in the country.
Despite losing one of the best players in school history, Head Coach G. Guerrieri has put together an exemplary recruiting class.
"We lost our senior class and they made a huge difference last year, but we have a really talented class of incoming freshmen," Shipley said.
The influx of new talent and departure of the old leaves many questions swirling around the Aggie soccer team. Shipley has looked past these trials and is confident about the upcoming season.
"We have a bunch of key players coming back," said Shipley. "So it's going to be a really good year."
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