PEORIA, Ill. – Get to know more about Bradley Soccer Tommy Graham.

Graham, a Peoria local, is one of the newest additions to the 2024 soccer roster.

He started playing soccer when he was three years old. He played for FC Peoria from ages three to 16. In high school, Graham won a state championship in 2022 and was a runner-up in 2023 with Peoria Notre Dame. He also played for Central Illinois between the ages of 16 and 18.

Graham enjoys spending time with his neighborhood friends and family. Some of his favorite hobbies include swimming, watching sports, and cooking. 

"I also like to fish because my grandpa is a big fisher, so I went with him," Graham said. "He owns a restaurant downtown, Kelleher's, so cook, got it from him,"

With Irish roots, Graham has watched soccer since little. He enjoys watching the English Premier League with his dad and supporting Chicago teams such as the Bulls and Bears.

"Favorite soccer team is Aston Villa," Graham said. "My dad was born in Dublin and lived in England, in Birmingham, like right by the stadium. He has always supported them, so I always support them," 

Graham sees his father as his biggest role model, consistently providing support and love, pushing him to be his best both on and off the field.

"My dad, just because he moved here and did not really have much, just seeing him work all my life, and he is always there supporting me, telling me to work harder, and it is just nice having someone like that, always pushing you," Graham said. "He played soccer too. He was a defender. After my games, we would have a little talk and go over stuff. He would tell me the stuff I would not wanna hear, which I need sometimes,"

Graham's appreciation for his mother has grown even deeper since moving away, recognizing the lasting impact of her support and care. He shared what he is most grateful for.

"My mom, realizing all she has done for me, especially now that I am living in the dorm without her, all the little things she did for me, kind of realize how nice it was just having her always there,"

Graham is thankful for the opportunity to pursue his dreams while being close to family and friends.

"Growing up here, I always used to come to the games when I was little," Graham said. "It is just close. I have always grown up watching them, and I have always followed them. It felt like home,"

Graham shared his favorite thing about Bradley.

"It is nice just having everything around nice and close. You do not have to walk far," Graham said. "Especially growing up around here, I thought moving here I would not feel far from home, but it is kind of like its own bubble, [just] like Coach Regan said when he was recruiting me, it is going to feel like you are in your own bubble and it does,"

Graham is excited for the season and hopes to add with his presence on the field. He shared his personal goals for the 2024 season.

"Hopefully, get good minutes and be an actual contributor to the team on the field," Graham said. 

Watch Graham on the field during the 2024 fall season at Shea Stadium.