Crossings Christian School’s Tyson McGraw has learned to love chaos in the middle of the field. As the Knights’ center midfielder, he embraces the responsibility that comes with operating in traffic and helping dictate the tempo of a match.
“I play center midfielder,” McGraw said. “The toughest thing is maintaining control in the most crowded part of the field.” That challenge has helped shape both his game and his mindset as a varsity player for Crossings Christian.
McGraw said his greatest strength is the way he sees the game develop before others do. “My strength is my vision to see the field and make the right passes,” he said. “I am working on becoming a better leader.” For a team that prides itself on chemistry, his ability to connect lines and settle play has become a key piece of Crossings Christian’s identity.
That team-first mentality is what he enjoys most about the Knights’ locker room. “We always work together to compete for the win,” McGraw said. The collective effort has reinforced his belief that success comes from shared commitment, not individual talent.
McGraw’s competitive drive was built at home. He credits his brother, Noah, and sister, Lantana, for sparking his love of soccer when he was young. “They both played soccer. I grew up watching their games and then playing soccer with them and against them in our yard,” he said. Professionally, he looks up to Belgian star Eden Hazard. “The professional player who has inspired me is Eden Hazard because I admire his skills and his footwork and the way he plays,” McGraw said.
Athletics, McGraw said, has given him lessons that extend far beyond the pitch. “It has taught me that you have to work hard to get results,” he said. That approach shows up in the classroom, where history is his favorite subject, and he points to Mrs. Denman as his favorite teacher.
One moment still stands out from his high school career: a dramatic comeback against Christian Heritage Academy during his sophomore season. “We were down 3-0 and came back to win 3-2 in the last 10 minutes of the game,” McGraw said. For him, it was a vivid example of resilience and belief.
Away from soccer, McGraw is a member of the National Honor Society and values the balance between academics, athletics and relationships. In his free time, he keeps things simple. “I like to spend time with family and friends,” he said.
