To say Titus Grant had a memorable high school soccer career would be an understatement.
The Titans' leading goal scorer helped TCA reach the state championship game each year since he was a freshman. In those seasons, Grant racked up 112 goals and 46 assists.
This season, Grant, The Gazette Boys' Soccer Peak Performer of the Year for the second consecutive year, led TCA with 30 goals and 18 assists en route to the Titans' 18-2 record that culminated in a 7-1 victory over Battle Mountain in the 4A championship match, TCA's first boys' soccer title. Grant had one goal and one assist in the match.
"For me personally, it was really big," Grant said of winning the championship. "Especially going to three state championships before that and not coming out with a win was, I wouldn't say heartbreaking, but pretty deflating just knowing how you can get so close and not come out with a win."
Grant, who will play soccer at Seattle Pacific next year, said the closeness of the team was the difference this season in getting over the hurdle to finally win state.
"I think we just focused a lot more and came into the game a lot more relaxed knowing that we wanted it more than the other team," Grant said. "Just playing as a team and playing for each other, and knowing that we had each other's backs no matter what."
Grant led the Titans in goals each year since he was a sophomore and was second on the team as a freshman. While his goal production increased over the years, Grant said he also shifted his mindset in order to become more of a complete player.
He was second on the team in assists this year.
"I think freshman year I was purely a goal scorer and that's all I was really focused on was scoring goals," Grant said. "I think I matured a lot and focused more being a team player and getting the ball to my teammates, knowing that they would try their best to get the ball to me, and just working hard for my teammates and knowing that they were working as hard."
Grant's ability to transform his game was a trait that led his coach, Blake Galvin, to high praise.
"When he came in I would say he was a forward as a freshman," Galvin said. "Now, he's a soccer player.
"The reality is, if I wanted to put him as a midfielder, I could feel very confident that he would do a great job there because he just understands the game so well."
This season was also special for Grant because he had the chance to play with his younger brother, Eli, who is a freshman.
"Every once in a while we get to go out and play together but, especially this season I think was a bonding moment for us just being able to play every day at practice and then in a few games together was pretty cool," Grant said.
Grant is one of 12 seniors that the Titans will lose next year. He said he is looking forward to playing in college and hopeful that he will play beyond that, too.
Winning the golden trophy with his team was a fitting send-off for the Titans' star. And while he said this has been the most memorable season of his high school career, for Grant, the entire ride has been special.
"It's definitely going to be something that I remember for the rest of my life," he said.
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