On every team there is a playmaker, an athlete who gets the glory for the game winning plays or the best stats. But behind that player, in order for a team to be successful, there has to be a player of equal talent, who may get less acclaim, but makes the big plays that often become forgotten. The player who does the little things which can amount to a huge difference in the outcome of a game. This player is the unsung hero, who plays solidly every game, and provides a sturdy foundation for a successful team.

Usually The Viking celebrates the playmakers, the statistical standouts, and the game winners, however, this year, The Viking awards the Female Athlete of the Year to Gracie Cain (‘11) for outstanding performance on a consistent basis for three different Palo Alto high school varsity sports. Cain’s unrelenting reliability is a quality that distinguishes her from most athletes. She represents composure in all of the sports teams of which she is a member, including cross-country, soccer, and lacrosse.

“I really look up to how poised and calm Gracie is on the field,” Paly lacrosse teammate and midfielder Lauren Mah (‘10) said. “Sometimes I get angry when teammates don’t execute, but Gracie always focuses on her own game and what is within her control.”

Aside from containing her frustration with other teammates, Cain also remains composed in game situations during play. By remaining a solid player in every game, Cain is able to extend and continue the team’s success.

“[Cain] is a really hard worker no matter what the conditions are and she’s a positive influence on everyone,” Paly soccer teammate and midfielder Mayssen Labidi (‘12) said. “She keeps the future looking bright for the team.”

Cain’s positive approach to the game and her work ethic are admired by her teammates and because of a greater emphasis on school sports this year Cain feels she has been able to step her game up and be a force for her Paly teams.

“I think this year I tried to be more focused on the high school sport in season,” Cain said. “I made the alternate club sport secondary.”

One of the sports that Cain focused on was cross-country. Cain is the number one ranked runner on the Paly girls’ cross-country squad, finishing first for the Paly girls in most races, according to teammate Erin Kiekhaefer (‘11).

Aside from her dominance in cross-country, Cain’s commitment this year has been noticeable by her teammates in other sports as well. Her optimism and willingness to follow instructions have been standout qualities that separate her from the average athlete.

“She never complains, she does what she is told, she executes when she is asked to perform a specific task on the [lacrosse] field, and she always does it with a positive attitude,” Mah said. “She defines what it means to be an athlete.”

According to Mah, athleticism is not always defined as being the strongest, the fastest or the most gifted individual; it is the player who is mentally strong, able to persevere through adversity in a game, and maintains a love and devotion to it. Because Cain is such a force both mentally and physically, she is able to excel and help her team to a greater extent.

The ability to maintain composure under the toughest of circumstances is an admirable skill, one which has enabled Cain to become a leader even without being completely vocal. Often in sports this player is referred to as a ‘silent leader’. Despite being quiet, the skill, work ethic and passion come through more prominently than any voice could, challenging and enticing teammates to follow suit.

“[Cain’s] lack of being vocal is actually her form of leadership, she leads through example rather than just yelling at people,” Mah said. “Teammates watch her on the field and they just want to emulate her playing style.”

Cain’s lack of self-promotion on and off the field has been surprising given her talent. Even Cain’s mom and biggest inspiration, Margie Cain, is awed by her daughter’s humble attitude.

“I wouldn’t call her quiet because on the field, I think she is a good communicator with her teammates and can be loud and encouraging,” Margie said. “But off the field she is not the type of athlete that will do the stuff to promote herself.”

Before Cain stepped onto a Paly field, led any team, or dominated any sports, she was just a girl with a knack for sports. Before Cain even knew how to hold a lacrosse stick she was in the gymnastics gym, working on form. It did not take long, however, to discover Cain’s need for cardio.

“When Gracie was in elementary school I thought she’d be a gymnast,” Margie said. “I took her to Burgess Gym, but she continued to complain about the instructor’s criticism about how she landed or that her toes weren’t pointed correctly.”

Wanting a more active sport, away from the meticulous detail of gymnastics, Cain commenced her search.

“She said she just wanted to run around and play on the equipment,” Margie said. “It became apparent to me that she’d be better off in running sports.”

And with gymnastics a thing of the past, Cain tried five more sports: soccer, tennis, volleyball, softball and karate, where she advanced to the brown belt level. With undeniable athleticism, Cain faced a new challenge: which sport to pursue.

With a commitment to the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) beginning in first grade, it seemed only natural that Cain would continue to pursue it, especially with her dad and coach, Tim Cain.

Cain’s older sister and soccer teammate, Sophie Cain (‘10), often practices with Cain, and has also been able to improve alongside her sister.

“Gracie [Cain] is definitely faster than me, but I’m meaner and push her around so its interesting when we practice one versus one,” Sophie said. “My dad built us a net in our front yard with a goal spray painted on it so some times we will just practice shots together. We also play on the same side for club and high school so we work really well together.”

Although soccer has been one of Cain’s favorite sports since first grade, lacrosse is a different story. Interested in venturing into uncharted territory, Cain jumped at the opportunity to try yet another sport.

“When we heard her freshman year that Paly was going to have a lacrosse team, I asked [assistant coach] Mark Dahm if he wouldn’t mind showing Grace how to hold a stick and pass the ball,” Margie said. “She quickly became hooked.”

Now, back to today. Cain is back on the field of play, back in her role as leader, the glue that holds teams together. She is back to the field carrying the weight of her teams on her shoulders, inspiring her teammates to be the best they can be.

With Cain’s mental strength accompanying her physical strength, it is understandable that she has become a role model and leader carrying her teammates through their seasons. Although it often disturbs Cain after a loss or tough game, she has the ability to turn disappointment into motivation, a skill even the most mentally tough often fail to achieve.

“She never blames [a tough game or loss] on anyone, but she can take losses pretty hard,” Sophie said. “No one likes to lose, but Gracie just uses it as an excuse to play harder and better the next time.”

With the burden of a loss, any athlete can get frustrated, but Cain knows how to balance the competitive nature with the fun nature of sports.

“Gracie[Cain] is a really focused athlete, but she knows how to have fun,” Sophie said. “In [soccer] games she always gives it her all and you can never catch her being lazy.”

Aside from mental toughness, leadership qualities and enthusiasm, Cain manages to put the team first and foremost, showing ultimate selflessness. She acknowledges the game is bigger than any one person, including herself.

“Typically you hear about the athletes who score goals,” Cain said. “These are team sports anyway, and the only results that should matter are wins or losses.”

Cain’s priorities have always been with the team. Sacrifices must be made, and nothing but maximum effort exerted at every game. The unsung hero, Cain is always in control of her game and attitude, ceaselessly pulling for her team.

“She wants to be a team player first and always,” Margie said. “I think this is why this award will be so special for her.”