The Best is Yet to Come for Katie Shea Collins

Katie Shea Collins had a big freshman season for South Carolina women’s soccer. After being selected for the U.S. Women’s U20 National Team camp roster this spring as well as a member of the TST team Solo FC, captained by former U.S. National Team goalkeeper Hope Solo, Collins is hoping that the best is yet to come.

“I want to grow,” said Collins, who earned Second Team All-SEC and All-Freshman team honors last fall after scoring 13 goals and tallying three assists in 19 matches for the Gamecocks. The 13 goals were second on the team and tied for second in the SEC. “That’s what I’ve told our coaches. I want to be able to attack in so many different ways. I want to score, but on top of that, if you put a lot of people on me, I’m going to dish it to my teammates so they can score. I don’t care if I score or if they score, as long as we win.”

Collins had a remarkable rookie season from start to finish. Last fall, she was also part of the U.S. U20 team that competed at the World Cup in Colombia and was excited to be back with that team earlier this spring.

“We had new coaches and new players on the team,” Collins said. “I had the chance to learn from coaches who coach in the NWSL. We played against the Kansas City NWSL team as well, who are undefeated right now. I had the chance to see how the pros play, and it was such a professional environment. The only thing I could do is just grow from it, which is awesome. I want to be a pro in the future, so being around girls with the same mindset and playing against pros was an unbelievable experience.

“I feel like I played a new version of my position. I played as a winger who was inverted. There were players on my back, so I sort of had to play like a midfielder. It was challenging. Major respect to all those who play in the midfield. It’s hard! As it went on, I got my confidence back and learned how to play differently and play quicker. I came back thinking that if I can add this to my arsenal, it can change how I attack and beat teams differently.”

In addition to the U.S. U20 team experience and training with the Gamecocks this spring for their exhibition season, Collins is also gearing up for a different soccer experience. TST, or The Soccer Tournament, is a seven vs. seven soccer tournament where student-athletes join legendary professional and international stars on the pitch to compete for a one-million-dollar prize. 16 teams will compete June 4-9 in Cary, North Carolina.

“I’m so blessed that I have this opportunity,” Collins said. “This is one of the biggest 7 v 7 tournaments in the world. It’s a neat way to get my name out there. I’ve had the chance to talk with Hope Solo a couple of times now, and it’s so cool to have the opportunity to play against former National Team players. She told me she wants to get players for our team from all over the world. It’s going to bring us all together for one love of soccer. I’m ready to go!”

Collins freshman season was nearly bookended by a pair of amazing scoring feats. She scored three goals in her Gamecock debut in last year’s season-opening win against Furman and tallied a second hat trick in South Carolina’s NCAA Tournament first round victory over East Carolina. So, what’s on tap for year two?

“I guess if you set the bar high, you have to try to beat it,” Collins said with a laugh. “We have played some amazing soccer as a team this spring. I’m so excited for the fall!”

In the fall, Collins had the luxury of playing alongside All-American forward Cat Barry, who finished her career at the program’s all-time leading goal scorer, but she’s not feeling the pressure to have to carry the Gamecocks by herself next season.

“I hope I can do for others what Cat did for me,” said Collins. “When teams double teamed her, it left me open. We have some other amazing forwards who are already here and some amazing forwards coming in. As I’ve said before. I don’t care who scores, but I know that we’re going to score.”

Collins is studying public health and is interested in a career in physical therapy whenever her playing days are done. She’s also very active in volunteer work.

“I don’t want to be known as a great soccer player,” Collins said. “I want to be known as a great person who is pretty good at soccer as well. I love to volunteer at Final Victory Rescue where we try to foster dogs. I also like to help out with Special Olympics. There are so many opportunities with South Carolina Athletics to volunteer. I just can’t say no sometimes!”