This week we catch up with UKIN Second Division caster, Grace!

For those who might not know you, can you introduce just who is Grace?
I am Grace, a commentator focusing on Rainbow Six Siege, a big fan of UK esports, and a network security enthusiast.

You started off as a competitive player, what made you want to step into the world of casting?
I feel it suited me better as a person. I like to analyse situations and data. I have hosted a lot of IRL viewing parties over the years for pro league and I loved to have conversations and try to determine why specific results happened. Playing competitive is fun but I burn myself out quickly; casting allows me to be myself.

When you are playing instead of casting who your go to operators for attack and defence?
It ultimately depends on the map but I really love to use Zofia or Ying. On defence I prefer to use Melusi.

You recently joined the talent line-up for UKIN Second Division, how did you find your first playday?  
I really loved it, it was a bit nerve-wracking to be opening; opening night is always scary,  although I quickly warmed into it. It was really nice to finally see all of the teams play, I’ve been very excited leading up to this having followed all of the teams to this point in one way or another.

Coming from casting university leagues, how is it now seeing them feeding into the national league system?
In regards to the players I'm immensely proud to watch them; they have worked tirelessly for this. I know there’s a lot of ambition there, both within NUEL and NSE/Flight, but also within players in other rosters who started at University level. I feel confident that a lot of them will surprise people, and a lot will be learnt for them individually. 

I think people underestimate the benefits of University Esports; like any grassroot level, it's an opportunity to get more people invested into the game by introducing otherwise casual players to the competitive side of it. Whether it's dedicated fans, newly emerging players or talented support staff; I passionately believe that a large and healthy University Esports scene benefits the wider Esport. We should be proud of the number of people who have already emerged from the University scene and continue nurturing that progression as much as we can.

If you could cast a game of Rainbow Six with anyone, who would it be and why?
Either JessGOAT or Dezachu. They have both been super lovely and supportive to me, Dez has been an excellent mentor for me. They’re both super hardworking people and I have mountains of respect for them. It would be a big “star eyes” moment indeed.

Create your own team - you are the coach, what 5 players are you picking up? It can be any player Pro or Am across the world.
Prano, Pengu, Kamikaze… then Canadian and Fabian. Not even to win, just to watch the world burn as they try to deal with that situation inside and outside of game.

Any final comments or places for people to follow you?

@HimeGarce on twitter, it’s spelt like that on purpose... and if you can afford it please donate to your local animal sanctuary!