Lucy Ream Hopes Time in Soccer Exceeds Far Beyond Days at Eastern Kentucky University

“I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18. This Bible verse is firmly tatted on the arm of Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania native, Lucy Ream.

(Photos courtesy of Corey Rush)

While this verse is much deeper than soccer, it certainly can be applied to the game. When you’re a college soccer player and have been playing the game for nearly all your life like Ream has, there’s definitely ufferings that come along with it. 

The sufferings of long practices in the sun, putting aside social time with friends and family, and even the suffering of playing one of the more grueling positions in sports as a defensive back in soccer. It certainly is not easy, but landing on the Atlantic Sun All-Tournament team as just a freshman is some of that glory that the verse could be talking about.

But, I think there’s a deeper meaning of why Romans 8:18 is etched forever in her skin. It’s not for me to speculate or talk about, so I will leave her why to her and her alone. However, I will not ignore that faith is important in her life and is something that she needed when she elected to move over six hours from home for her college years at Eastern Kentucky University.

I explained to Ream that I’m a homebody during our conversation and that I admired her courage to branch out and find comfort in being uncomfortable in a new city and state. Richmond, Kentucky was a place that could provide both a city life experience, but also an isolated college campus for students.

It has also been a Division I opportunity that has awarded her playing time right from the start of her career, even if it meant moving back to defense instead of her usual forward spot.

With a left boot and incredible crossing ability, the Colonels needed her in this spot this season, but they may just need her speed up front as a striker again someday. In her first college season, Ream scored two goals and dished out four assists for a team that made it to the Atlantic Sun Conference semifinals. With a solid core returning, this team hopes to make it back there and beyond in 2022.

Ream is no stranger to accolades as a four-time letter winner for Fox Chapel, three All-Section selections, two Big 56 All-Star nods, two All-WPIAL nods, and an All-American nominee as a high school senior. 

She also played club soccer for Beadling Soccer Club, a club team that competed in some of the top tournaments in the United States and featured so much talent that college signees were coming off the bench. The club won the Eastern Regional in 2018, one of the top moments from her athletic career overall.

As can be expected, there are a lot of games under her belt already, but there’s still three more seasons of college soccer to go. Even after this, she’s hopeful to become a teacher and soccer coach to remain around the game she loves. 

It has been a great start to her college career, but there’s plenty left in store for the former WPIAL standout Lucy Ream. While the Greater Pittsburgh area will always be a big part of her identity, Richmond, Kentucky is where she hopes many great soccer moments may happen.

Best of luck as you get ready for the upcoming season, Lucy! Thank you for the opportunity to share your success in soccer to date ⚽️