A winning mentality

by Matthew Ondesko: Managing Editor

“Winning a state championship is what dreams are made of and the most surreal feeling,” St. Mary’s soccer player Brooke Sullivan.

It seems whatever sport Brooke Sullivan plays she wins. She has been part of a St. Mary’s soccer team that has won the Monsignor Martin title numerous times, and she was part of the St. Mary’s lacrosse squad that pulled the big upset when they defeated Nichols for the title two years ago.

Winning the State title this past Saturday was the perfect icing on the cake. St. Mary’s has gotten to the State tournament many of times, but they could never get over the hump - until this past weekend when they defeated St. Anthony’s of Long Island 2-1.

It was a great way to end her soccer career, and a great way to cap off an undefeated season.

“For the past three years we’ve come so close, but fell short and to finally win, especially beating St. Anthony’s is a feeling like no other,” stated Sullivan. “We have a powerhouse of a team and having gone undefeated all season just shows the dedication and determination of every girl on this team. We thought this could be our year and wanted it more than ever. I honestly couldn’t imagine a better ending to this chapter.”

It has been an incredible four year run for Sullivan on the soccer pitch. The senior has experienced all the high and lows during her career. But, despite everything the one thing that has been constant is family.

The soccer team is a family, a very competitive one. They go at each other hard in practice, but it’s to make everyone better on the team as they chase the goals that were set at the beginning of the year.

“I can’t even begin to say how amazing this team is. The past four years with this team have been an incredible experience both on and off the field,” stated Sullivan. “We are a family here; we support each other and push each other to be the best versions of ourselves. It’s been highly competitive and fun at the same time, I couldn’t have asked for more.”

The coaches couldn’t have asked for more when it comes to Sullivan, either. Whether it’s soccer or lacrosse, Sullivan is the ultimate team player. She will do whatever the coaches ask her to do, it’s all about team.

She thrust her coaches to put her in the right position to succeed. It also helps her to be more versatile player.

“I trust my coaches are going to put me in a position they think is both best for me and the team,” stated Sullivan. “So whether offense or defense, I’m happy to accept the direction given and feel it helps me to be a more versatile player being able to jump into any position.”

That happened when she came to St. Mary’s and started playing lacrosse. Both a forward and defender for her club team, Sullivan started her career at St. Mary’s as a forward. Last season, Sullivan showed her versatility by moving back to defense.

She went from scoring goals to now stopping some of the best goal scorers in the Monsignor Martin. What really changed her mindset last year was the confidence her coaches had in her to face guard the number one player on the opposing team.

That gave her the confidence to go out there each game and dominate only like she knows how.

“I had played both offense and defense on my club team so when I moved to defense for St. Mary’s, it was an easy transition,” stated Sullivan. “What really changed me as a defender was my coach’s confidence in me to face guard the opponents #1 player. That was so motivating and pushed me to give my very best both for myself and my team”

Between both sports there isn’t much time for Sullivan to relax. If she isn’t training for soccer than she is getting ready for her lacrosse season. When she does get her downtime, you can see Sullivan at the gym staying fit.

Or, she will be in the backyard shooting on the net with her brother. Either way, Sullivan is always doing something. She is always trying to stay active.

“Between soccer and lacrosse, I am pretty much going year-round keeping active. In any downtime I do have, I go to the gym to stay fit,” stated Sullivan. “And if there’s still spare time in between, I’m shooting on the net in my backyard with my brother.”

Sullivan is doing all this while getting ready to move on to the next chapter of her life. The senior is sad to see this chapter end, but excited to see what the future holds. She has started the process of applying to college.

A process that has seen her apply to every different college you could imagine.

“I can’t wait! I’m sad to be closing out this chapter but so excited for my future. Of course I’m a little nervous but I’m ready to move forward and see what the world and college has in store for me,” stated Sullivan. “ I have started applying to colleges and plan to major in Sports Journalism. I have such a wide range of schools I’ve applied to: big/small, close/far, public/private so it’ll be interesting to see what’s next.”