FAIRFAX, Va. - The list of George Mason men's soccer alums in the professional ranks continues to grow as a pair of 2012 graduates signed professional contracts in Ryan Gracia and Draymond Washington. Gracia inked a deal with Bodens BK in the Swedish Football, Division 2, while Washington signed a multi-year contract with the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

"We are very proud of these two young men and wish them the very best as they pursue their goals and dreams," said George Mason head soccer coach Greg Andrulis. "They came to Mason from distinctly different paths but each in his own way has made a significant contribution to our program."

A four-year starter for the Patriots from 2008-11, Gracia, a U17 national team member, finished his collegiate playing career earning Third Team All-CAA accolades after being named to the All-Rookie team his freshman season. While donning the Green and Gold for four years, Gracia played in 62 matches with 53 starts, collecting 39 points (15g, 9a).

"I have always wanted to travel the world and now I am lucky enough to do that while living out a dream of mine at the same time," stated Gracia after recently training in Sweden. "It's an incredible feeling to allow something that I have done for enjoyment during my entire life become my job each and every day. I don't think I could have this much excitement doing anything else, especially right out of college.

"Playing at Mason taught me how to bring a professional attitude and approach to the stadium every day," noted Gracia. "I have to thank the coaches at Mason and my former teammates for allowing me to learn from them and take everything with me into my life after college now that I am on my own. It's really an exciting time for me and playing in Sweden is a great place to begin my professional career."

"With the anticipation that Ryan would achieve his goals and dreams of being a professional soccer player, Ryan took all the necessary, and at times difficult, steps to graduate early so he could move forward with a singular focus," Andrulis noted. "The fact that he is enjoying playing soccer in Europe after graduating in December is a testament to his talent, hard work and determination."

Washington finished his playing career at Mason appearing in 68 matches and starting 47. After making the transition from forward to defender his junior season, Washington helped Mason to 11 shutouts.

"George Mason prepared me for life in professional soccer because every day in practice was like a professional setting," commented Washington. "Over my time at Mason I really progressed as a player. I want to thank everyone at George Mason who was there for me in my four years and I wouldn't be where I am today without each and every piece."

"Draymond continued to grow as a player and as a person while at Mason," Andrulis stated. "His competitive drive and desire to be the best kept him focused and determined to reach the next level in the classroom and on the field. With the ultimate respect of his teammates, Draymond competed at a very high level and was not to be denied as he pursued his dream to be a professional player. His competitive attitude and athleticism are a combination that most professional teams look for."

Both Gracia and Washington were part of the nationally ranked recruiting class in 2008 and helped the Patriots to their first CAA Championship since 1982. They join over 40 alumni who have played professionally after leaving Mason.

Since 2009, eight former George Mason players have signed pro contracts: Axel Levry (Energie Cottbus, Germany), Kwame Adjeman-Pamboe (Agrotikos, Greece), Fabian Lewis (Woodlands Wellington FC, Singapore), Brent Brockmen (FC New York), Sean Kelley (Orlando City FC), John Borrajo (New York Red Bulls) and now Mason can add Gracia and Washington to the list.