Senior Girls Soccer
This year, the Brentwood Girls’ Senior Soccer team started the season with big dreams and cardio that could only be described as “aspirational.” Yet, despite the unexpected early challenges and a collective fear of playing a full 90, we still pulled through. From the first whistle - turned first win - against Shawnigan, we brought a calculated mix of grit, joy, and just enough confidence to keep things interesting for the rest of the season.
Of course, it was not all smooth passes and clean wins. Our first home game against Kelsey was one of success but, of course, was followed by the tragic loss of Basma Jama’s foot in a 5-0 win against Wellington. Approaching ISAs, we battled through injuries and fatigue with determination - and barely enough tape to keep Cleo Kestler's ankles together. But, thankfully, Coach Wesley “Guardiola” Barrett has an unrelenting knack for spotting talent and ultimately found some phenomenal juniors to join us on the pitch.
Were we the biggest team? Irrelevant. The best? Up to interpretation (but I think so). What we did have, though, was a huge can-do attitude. Pulling through with a win, we ultimately placed 7th after a strong final game.
Throughout the season, the team demonstrated high levels of effort, concentration, and sportsmanship. Some remarkable moments came from Kalea H, our striker, who spent her first year on the team putting away some fantastic goals. Her counterpart, Pearl Norman Brown, our other striker, brought a record-setting level of intensity - so intense, she drove the ball through defenders and straight into the back of the net, and on more than one occasion, the crossbar. In the midfield, Kionah “The Kid” W consistently delivered powerful strikes and powerful advice, while Carys C sent beautifully weighted passes through defenders with the kind of precision that would make Ms Fougner shed a tear. On defence, when she escaped from rowing, Grace Sissett dominated on the back line, scaring off all other strikers.
Other appreciations go out to our seniors, Cleo Kestler, Bena DeCenzo, Basma Jama, and Mila Woudstra, for their outstanding leadership, optimism, and skill. Leading the senior soccer team into a successful season next year will be Fiona C, Kalea, Neve Martin, and Sunny. Thank you to all the juniors who stepped up and became a part of the team.
This year would not have been possible without the coaches: Ms Jill Fougner, Mr Michael Henman, and Coach Barrett. We are so incredibly grateful for their patience and care for our team. While the season is not yet over, we are excited to continue the season with a bonded, driven, and united squad. Hopefully, it is filled with more bus rides, orange slices, and questionable warmups.
Addison Chadwick, Allard ‘25, Captain