Heading in, the year 2020 was going to be about the culmination of two intricate senior thesis projects for Academy of Art women's soccer and School of Fashion alumni Alice Michell and Makayla Godden. But when the global pandemic known as COVID-19 unsuspectingly hit and both were forced to immediately collect their materials and work remotely, doubts about completing the designs began to creep in. Nevertheless, much like the thrill of a come-from-behind victory on a goal in the waning minutes of a soccer match, Michell and Godden both persevered and eventually scored wins through innovative adaptations literally in their own back yard. Following their respective 2020 graduations, Michell (AliceMichelle.com) has since gone on to be announced as a finalist in MTV's global #MusicMeetsFashion Competition while Godden has launched her own clothing line called MAK _MADEIT.

"I grew up playing soccer and it's been a part of me my whole life," said Michell. "The competition, desire for perfection, and constant drive to push oneself to be better - all qualities that soccer demands - have shaped who I am today. Although my college soccer career is done, I still maintain the same sense of competition and drive. It's this mindset I applied to my senior thesis collection - to bring my two passions of soccer and fashion design to life."

"Soccer really was everything for me," said Godden. "It taught me way more than how to kick a ball. It taught me to keep going when I'd get knocked down and that played out in finishing up my collection as a designer. Being a student-athlete taught me to be positive and to know I can get through any hard time."

Read more here!