Get to Know: Brendan Graves

A familiar face is once again donning a Toledo Villa FC kit and manning the net as goalkeeper Brendan Graves has returned to play this season.

"I came back to TVFC this year because I love the city, the team, the Black Swamp Brigade ... everything about Toledo," the goalkeeper said.

Graves, who plays collegiately at nearby Bowling Green State University, started playing with TVFC when he was 16 years old during the summer of 2018 but is happy to return after a year away from the club.

"I was really itching to come back," he said.

Graves played for USL2's Flint City Bucks last season and started in three matches for the eventual National Semifinalist squad, losing to eventual champion — Ballard FC.

"I learned how important it is to surround yourself with real competitors," Graves said. "Guys who push you in every training session, in the weight room and such because everyone has the same goal of winning and being elite."

Q&A with Brendan Graves

Q: Who have been your biggest mentors on or off the pitch?

A: For me my Mom and Dad have been my biggest mentors my whole life, always coaching and teaching me. I would also say even some of my current and former teammates from BG. Whenever I reach out to one of my teammates they are excited to talk to me and help guide me with whatever situation I may be in.

Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?

A: Not really anything crazy. I like to take a shower and listen to music. I get pretty stoic as well before the game just to start dialing in. I like doing the same warm-up routine, the same movements, things like that.

Q: Outside of sports, what is a hidden talent or interesting fact about you?

A: Really nothing super interesting about me, but I guess my go-to secret talent would be that I can wiggle my ears.

Coach Matt Johnson on Brendan Graves: "Brendan is a super athletic, really hard working player that will do whatever you ask him to do as a goalie. He's got a really good presence in the back. He organizes well because he is pretty athletic. He covers his box really well. He's a great guy that sets the tone of what our group is going to be like. And we're really excited to have him with us."