Colorado State University Athletics
Staff Directory
Mickey Grace
- Title:
- Director of Player Development / Pass Rush Specialist / Assistant Defensive Line
- Email:
Mickey Grace joined Jim Mora's initial staff in December 2025 as the Director of Player Development, Pass Rush Specialist, and Assistant Defensive Line Coach, bringing a proven record of measurable on field impact and holistic player development.
Grace arrives in Fort Collins following a highly successful tenure at the UConn under Head Coach Jim Mora, where she helped lead one of the most improved pass rush units in the nation. Prior to her arrival, UConn recorded 12 total sacks in 2021. Under Coach Mickey’s leadership, the Huskies produced 17 sacks in 2023, 25 sacks in 2024, and 37 sacks in 2025, representing a 208% increase in sack production from 2021. In 2025, UConn tied for fifth nationally in sacks, while sack yardage increased from 68 yards lost in 2021 to 262 yards lost in 2025, reflecting sustained growth in pressure and disruption.
As Pass Rush Specialist, Coach Mickey emphasized technique development, pass rush planning, and accountability, translating directly to consistent growth. During her tenure, she coached NFL caliber talent including Eric Watts, New York Jets.
A former defensive end at Germantown High School in Philadelphia, Coach Mickey began her coaching career while still an undergraduate in 2012 at Martin Luther King High School, laying the foundation for a career rooted in player development and defensive line instruction.
Coach Grace made history in 2022 as the first woman to serve in an on field FBS coaching role, initially joining UConn as an Offensive Analyst before transitioning to the defensive side of the ball as Assistant Defensive Line Coach. Recognized as a FootballScoop Rising Star, she brings experience across multiple levels of the game, including an Ivy League Championship season at Dartmouth and NFL experience with the Los Angeles Rams and through Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowships with the Miami Dolphins (virtually 2021), Atlanta Falcons (2022) and Washington Commanders (2023).
Off the field, Coach Mickey has designed and implemented several player facing development initiatives tailored to support the individual needs of student athletes she serves. A Philadelphia native, she holds psychology degrees from West Chester University and is a devoted wife to her husband Kenneth and proud mother to her daughters Aria and McKenna.
Personal Information
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Family: Husband – Kenneth / Children – Aria, McKenna
Education: West Chester University, 2014 (Bachelor's) /Â
Birthday: October 13Â
Grace Experience
2026-Present: Colorado State (Director of Player Development / Pass Rush Specialist)
2022-25: Connecticut (Director of Player Development / Pass Rush Specialist, 2023-25; Offensive Analyst / Assistant Wide Receivers, 2022)
2021-22: Dartmouth (Assistant Defensive Line)
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Grace arrives in Fort Collins following a highly successful tenure at the UConn under Head Coach Jim Mora, where she helped lead one of the most improved pass rush units in the nation. Prior to her arrival, UConn recorded 12 total sacks in 2021. Under Coach Mickey’s leadership, the Huskies produced 17 sacks in 2023, 25 sacks in 2024, and 37 sacks in 2025, representing a 208% increase in sack production from 2021. In 2025, UConn tied for fifth nationally in sacks, while sack yardage increased from 68 yards lost in 2021 to 262 yards lost in 2025, reflecting sustained growth in pressure and disruption.
As Pass Rush Specialist, Coach Mickey emphasized technique development, pass rush planning, and accountability, translating directly to consistent growth. During her tenure, she coached NFL caliber talent including Eric Watts, New York Jets.
A former defensive end at Germantown High School in Philadelphia, Coach Mickey began her coaching career while still an undergraduate in 2012 at Martin Luther King High School, laying the foundation for a career rooted in player development and defensive line instruction.
Coach Grace made history in 2022 as the first woman to serve in an on field FBS coaching role, initially joining UConn as an Offensive Analyst before transitioning to the defensive side of the ball as Assistant Defensive Line Coach. Recognized as a FootballScoop Rising Star, she brings experience across multiple levels of the game, including an Ivy League Championship season at Dartmouth and NFL experience with the Los Angeles Rams and through Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowships with the Miami Dolphins (virtually 2021), Atlanta Falcons (2022) and Washington Commanders (2023).
Off the field, Coach Mickey has designed and implemented several player facing development initiatives tailored to support the individual needs of student athletes she serves. A Philadelphia native, she holds psychology degrees from West Chester University and is a devoted wife to her husband Kenneth and proud mother to her daughters Aria and McKenna.
Personal Information
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Family: Husband – Kenneth / Children – Aria, McKenna
Education: West Chester University, 2014 (Bachelor's) /Â
Birthday: October 13Â
Grace Experience
2026-Present: Colorado State (Director of Player Development / Pass Rush Specialist)
2022-25: Connecticut (Director of Player Development / Pass Rush Specialist, 2023-25; Offensive Analyst / Assistant Wide Receivers, 2022)
2021-22: Dartmouth (Assistant Defensive Line)
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Saturday, January 31
Colorado State Basketball (M): Kyle Jorgensen Post Game (Wyoming)
Saturday, January 31
Rams Live Exclusive: Ram Rush and In State Recruiting with Alex Collins
Thursday, January 29
Colorado State Basketball (W): Froebe (L) and Carlson (R) Post-Game (Grand Canyon, 25-26)
Wednesday, January 28
