MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - Teammates, roommates and now co-captains, Grace Smith and Lauren Segalla have forged a deep friendship that has transcended continents.
 
Smith grew up in Bridgenorth, England, while Segalla is a native of Salisbury, Connecticut.
 
Despite having the Atlantic Ocean as a natural barrier, the two have really hit it off as they have got to know each other here at West Virginia University.
 
Smith is a redshirt junior midfielder on the Mountaineer women's soccer team while Segalla, a forward, also has an R in front of her junior season of eligibility. 
 
For both, those Rs have come as a result of knee injuries suffered in 2019.
 
Smith hurt her knee during the spring season and was already sitting out when Segalla's injury happened five games into the 2019 campaign at Penn State.
 
"Our injuries have really brought us closer," Segalla admits. "I think two years ago was her injury and then she re-injured herself, so I think that just that connection when you are down it's always nice to have someone. We live together so we went through it together. It's nice to have someone bring out the fun in it, because there's usually not a lot of fun in it."
 
"Last year was a challenge just knowing that I wasn't going to be on the field," Smith adds. "Being injured in the spring, I knew with the timeframe I was going to miss the entire season. Luckily, I had enough time to get that into my head so it wasn't a shock.
 
"It wasn't like the first game in I got injured. It was a while before. It was extremely difficult, but to be nominated as a captain was still an absolute honor, and I think it shows that my teammates have a lot of respect for me, given the circumstances," Smith says.
 
Smith earned her captainship because of her never-ending positivity.
 
"I think it was super-important the way that she led the team when she was injured," Segalla points out. "That was super-unique. I had never seen anybody do that before. Since I've been injured I felt I could reach people the same way."
 
"I was really excited to be named captain, especially with Lauren," Smith says. "Going through those similar hardships and the experiences we've had haven't exactly been what we've wanted, but I feel like we've both made the best out of the situation that we were dealt at the time."
 
So far through four matches, Segalla has contributed a goal and an assist for the 3-1 Mountaineers. 
 
Smith has appeared in two matches.
 
The two friends will travel with their Mountaineer teammates to Lubbock, Texas, to take on Texas Tech Friday night in an important Big 12 match.
It will kick off at 8:15 p.m. EST and will be televised on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.
 
As for their close friendship, the two agree it will last a lifetime.
 
"I think Lauren and I started out more teammates but definitely as the years have gone on Lauren and I have gotten closer and closer," Smith says. "I would describe Lauren as caring, talented and I know she is going to achieve so much in whatever she decides to do."
 
"I just like her positivity and she's super-compassionate," Segalla says. "I think it's something she just brings out in everyone. She always wants to be there for you, she's empathetic, and I think that's exactly what I needed and what I still need every after my injury.
 
"She's a great friend, and she will be my friend for a long time," Segalla concludes.
 
This week's Life as a Mountaineer was produced by Devin Kane and is sponsored by our great friends at WVU Medicine.