A member of the Houston Dash Development Academy set to graduate from Port Neches-Groves has signed a letter of intent to play soccer at Mississippi State.

The university confirmed the signing of Grace Seymour, a center back who was a highly decorated standout for the Indians before competing in the Dash’s U.S. Soccer Development Academy program the past two years.

“It’s a tremendous honor to continue my soccer career at Mississippi State University,” Seymour said in a news release. “The journey to pursue this lifelong dream has been challenging, but rewarding. I’m grateful to my parents, coaches and friends who have been with me every step of the way.”

Seymour was named District 22-5A midfielder of the year, All-5A Region III and 22-5A utility player of the year while at PNG, helping the Indians reach the region tournament each season. She called the decision to join the Dash’s DA a “game-changer” because she gets to practice with the best players in the Houston area and take on the country’s best teams.

“It helped me make big strides in the technical and mental areas of the game,” she said.

Mississippi State finished 24th in the NCAA Rating Power Index and reached the NCAA tournament, dropping a double-overtime match to Lipscomb in the round of 64.

“Playing at an SEC school that will compete every year for a spot in the NCAA tournament means that I’ll need to be ready to perform,” Seymour said. “This team is full of incredibly talented players and there is great potential to achieve some big things. I cannot wait to join them this summer!”

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I.C. Murrell: 721-2435. Twitter: @ICMurrellPANews