More Than Teammates: Abby Grimes Jolly ‘14 & Marigrace Ragsdale Matsen ‘14

Some friendships start with a spark. For Abby and Marigrace, that spark came from a shared soccer field in St. Louis — and a single summer day when two middle schoolers picked up field hockey sticks together for the first time.

“My mom actually signed us up for a St. Joe field hockey camp together,” Marigrace said. “It was the first time either of us had ever played. I love that our very first pass was to each other.”

From that first exchange, the two were inseparable — on the field and off. They joined Aim Field Hockey soon after, where they found not only a sport they loved but a community that nurtured it.

“Playing for Aim was the BEST,” Abby said. “We had such a fun team, and it was so cool to be part of the club when we were starting to make a name for ourselves nationally.”

At Aim, the pair quickly developed a rhythm that only years of shared play could create. Abby’s role as defensive midfielder and Marigrace’s position at attacking midfielder made them the perfect complements.

“We could read each other so well,” said Marigrace. “I can still picture Abby winning a ball, looking up to distribute, and me trying to get open for her over the years. I would also trap for her on corners in college — nothing beat getting an assist on your best friend’s goal!”

She also reflected on how the coaching both she and Abby received from Aim truly prepared them for the game and in life.

“Lauren and the coaches at Aim really emphasized bringing everyone together around a shared mission,” Marigrace said. “I still recognize the value of that unity in my career and everyday life today, when you connect as a team and feel invested in the same purpose, you’re going to get that much more out of every individual contributor.”

Their bond stretched far beyond the turf — through long travel weekends, late-night hotel laughter, and memories that still surface years later.

“We had the best time,” Abby said. “Festival in Phoenix, NIT at the beach, even when our flights got canceled and six of us ended up cramming into one hotel room. We laughed through all of it.”

When college came, their paths stayed intertwined. Both committed to the University of Louisville, where they brought their chemistry — and their friendship — to the Division I stage. They even had jersey numbers (16 & 17) and lockers side by side throughout their entire college careers.

“Going to college with her was like having family around,” Abby said. “It made the transition so much easier knowing she’d always be there for me.”

Today, the friendship that began at age ten is still going strong. The two live just minutes apart in Louisville, now navigating careers, marriage, and new chapters of life.

“We’re still best friends,” Marigrace said. “Last year, we stood beside each other at our weddings, and this year I’ve had the joy of watching Abby become a mom.”

Looking back, both credit Aim for giving them more than just skills and confidence — it gave them each other.

“It’s crazy to see how much we’ve grown,” Abby reflected. “From field hockey friends doing silly stuff on road trips to navigating adult life together — we still do silly stuff, just like when we were kids.”