Nikki Groceman is one of the best players from the Crown Point, Indiana area in the Class of 2021.
The 5-foot-4, 125-pound Groceman, who attends Chesterton High School and plays for Indiana Elite FC, is a dynamic player that works as a center defender.
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Groceman, who plays for the Indiana Elite FC, has earned plenty of recognition during her outstanding career, such as being honorable mention for All Conference.
No matter the opponent, every match Groceman is determined to give it her all.
Groceman is going all out.
The motor is always at full throttle whenever Groceman steps between the lines.
“I love to keep people from scoring because no goals means that I am doing my job well,” Groceman said. “I like to help my team win and I don’t ever want someone to beat me as a defender. I want the opponent to have to work hard for everything they get when I’m on the field.”
Groceman has great passion and energy whenever she’s on the field. Groceman tells why she enjoys the game of soccer so much.
“I love the thrill of playing hard and sometimes coming out with a win,” Groceman said. “I think it’s all about how you play not whether you win or lose.”
Groceman has learned many valuable lessons from playing soccer that she applies to his everyday life.
The main one is applying perspective to all situations.
“It has taught me that a mistake doesn’t show whether you are a good player or not, just what you do after the mistake is what matters,” Groceman said. “Just like in life, you have to be able to bounce back.”
Groceman recalls her favorite soccer memory.
“My favorite memory was when I was playing for a women’s league in indoor and I played offense, which I haven’t done in a while, and my teammate Olivia passed me a ball in the air and I volleyed it into the goal,” Groceman said.
Semir Mesanovic is Groceman’s coach for the Indiana Elite.
Mesanovic explains the best parts of Groceman’s game.
“Can play all positions in defense, reads the game so well, can be a shut down defender to prevent opponent from scoring and can help team build up to start offense,” Mesanovic said. “Very smart defender that reads the game really well, shuts down opponents attacking play, excellent in 1v1 situations and helps team build up in attack.”
Groceman takes her role as one of the leaders on the team very seriously. Groceman makes sure she’s a daily positive influence on her peers.
“I demonstrate being a good teammate by telling my teammate when they have done a good job and if they mess something up and need help, I can do my best to help them,” Groceman said. “I tell them keep going and don’t get discouraged because as long as you play your best, it’ll be enough.”
Mesanovic adds that Groceman is one of those consummate teammates that every squad needs to be successful.
“Another player that’s a true competitor on and off the field,” Mesanovic said. “Leads by example and her play on the field. Trains how she plays in games. Very high level work ethic and attitude.”
Groceman is appreciative of having amazing role models that are supportive.
“I learned that a good coach will always be behind you 100 percent. They help you when you are doing wrong and they won’t scream at you because they know that you are human and humans make mistakes,” Groceman said. “They tell me to leave it on the field and even when you mess up don’t be upset because there is always room for improvement.”
Mesanovic is an advocate of Groceman’s capabilities.
“Already established herself in starting lineup,” Mesanovic said. “Played outstanding against 18th team in the nation in recent college showcase tournaments and plays and competes outstanding in every game.”
In addition to making clutch plays, Groceman also has a high level of soccer IQ as well.
Groceman has excellent awareness that puts her in position to thrive.
“Very good reader of the game, very smart defender that understands her strengths and weaknesses and uses it to her advantage,” Mesanovic said.
Groceman is on the grind to perfect and hone her craft in any way possible.
“Outstanding work ethic in training and games,” Mesanovic said. “She has a no excuses mentality and tries her best. Ultimate teammate and thinks of others as well.”
Groceman patterns her play after this standout.
“Julie Ertz, she used to play defense,” Groceman said. “I always loved watching her play because she is amazing in 1v1 situations and helps me figure out different, more effective ways of being a defender.”
Groceman is constantly striving for greatness in everything that she does.
“My goal on the field is to always to do the best I can no matter what,” Groceman said. “My goal off the field is to get good grades and to always be there when someone needs me.”
Groceman explain her collegiate aspirations.
“Notre Dame because they have a great soccer program, I used to go to their soccer camps, and I looked up to some of the coaches there,” Groceman said.
Groceman lists health as his favorite subject in school.
“You learn about the body and how it functions and I just think that is interesting,” Groceman said.
Mesanovic believes Groceman is determined take her game to the next level.
“We are working on her being more of a vocal leader, inheriting extreme work ethic and having a no excuses mentality,” Mesanovic said. “Also being the best defender she can be for herself and the team and working on confidence after her recent injury.”
Mesanovic believes the sky is the limit as long as Groceman continues to stay hungry.
“Nikki has great characteristics and chance of playing and attending college soccer,” Mesanovic said. “Dedication, sacrifice and work ethic will be the key along with Nikki’s mindset. She is another player that has played high level since an early age. Time will tell and I am confident in her chances.”
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