ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Eckerd College community and women's soccer program is mourning the loss of
Rachel Price, who was killed as a result of an automobile accident near her hometown on Thursday evening in Osceola County.
A passenger, who was not an Eckerd student, was also killed at the scene.
“I will remember Rachel as a superb, highly-competitive athlete, but more importantly as a fun, intense, independent, smart and sweet young lady,” said Eckerd Director of Athletics
Dr. Bob Fortosis. “She was loved by our family of Triton student-athletes and will be missed by our entire Eckerd community.”
Price was a forward from West Melbourne and completed her freshman season at Eckerd with three goals and one assist in four games played.
She was recently named to the Sunshine State Conference Commissioner's Fall Honor Roll while studying Marine Biology.
"Words cannot describe the loss of
Rachel Price to Eckerd College,” said Eckerd Head Coach
Danielle Fotopoulos. “She was a strong, confident woman and a friend. She was successful in anything she put her mind to.
“It was an honor to get to be her coach and she taught us all, as a team, to put everything on the line. Rachel fought for her life to play soccer and now not even being with us, continues to bless us. May God bless her family and help them find peace."
Price was the Class 5A and 6A Player of the Year in the state of Florida during her prep career at Melbourne High School. She was the
Florida Today All-Space Coast Player of the Year in 2011.
Price was also a member of the United States U-18 National Team and a multiple all-state selection.
Rachel is the daughter of Donnie and Eva Price and is survived by two brothers, Brandon and Ryan.
Arrangements for the funeral have been made. The funeral will be held at Calvary Church on Saturday in Melbourne at 11 a.m.
