KENNESAW, Ga. - Macie Rainwater, a senior forward for Kennesaw State, has made a lasting impression on the soccer field. Her career with the Owls began four years ago and has been nothing short of remarkable, both for her contributions to the team and the impact soccer has had on her as a person.

Rainwater's passion for the game and dedication to improving has defined her career at Kennesaw State. When she thinks back on her experience, she calls it "incredible," a period in which soccer influenced her as a person and a player. As her final season with the Owls starts to wind down, she faces bittersweet emotions as she cherishes her time with the team while acknowledging the reality of playing her final games.
 

One of her most memorable performances was scoring a hat trick in an exciting overtime victory over Central Arkansas in the Atlantic Sun Tournament during her freshman year. She contributed three goals to the team's 4-3 victory, which advanced them to the next round. Rainwater remembers with nostalgia, "We all rushed the field and dog piled. We were so hyped. That was probably one of the greatest days, best memories."

Recording the first KSU hat trick since 2016 was no small feat, and Rainwater attributes her success in that game to her team's preparation, as she is always quick to credit her teammates. Rainwater took advantage of large field stretches as the Owls took advantage of Central Arkansas's defensive flaws, especially the spacing in their three-back formation. "Ebony played a ball down the line to Kendall Higgs. I was standing by myself in the box, and she couldn't have hit me better. I just had to pull my leg back and swing it forward. That's all I had to do."

Rainwater has developed significantly as a player and a person while attending KSU. Looking back on her early years, she acknowledges, "Freshman year, I had no clue what I was doing." As a senior, she now plays confidently and freely, which has helped her achieve greater things. Her growth is also evident in her consistency—each year, she has delivered exceptional performances, maintaining a high level of play. 

The Owls had a rough start to the 2024 season, but they recovered and went on a four-game winning streak. They simplified their game and concentrated on effort, energy, and the basics they could control. She emphasizes the significance of maintaining motivation even when the outcomes aren't going their way, saying, "We had a nice team talk, and it just came back to what we can control every day."

Under first-year head coach Chris Cahill, the Owls have regained their spark, and Rainwater thinks he has been a major factor in their recent success. The team has been motivated by his positive attitude and deep understanding of the game, "We want to work hard for him, and he shows up every day ready to do that for us." She credits him with enhancing her game, both mentally and physically, allowing her to finish her final year strong. 

As her final season progresses, Rainwater is focused on helping the Owls achieve success in the postseason. Beyond soccer, she also explores future opportunities, ideally wanting to stay in the sports industry. She expresses interest in sports media, management, and even real estate. Ultimately, she laughed and said, "Who knows? You'll find out when I do, probably."

Rainwater has become a vital member of Kennesaw State soccer because of her leadership, talent, and passion. As she looks to the future, she will undoubtedly continue to excel both on and off the field.

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