Get To Know Me (Coaching Corner) – Kristie Brezenski
At Nebraska Soccer Talk, we love covering everything soccer related. For the most part, that means covering games and providing analysis/opinions. However, our overall mission and purpose is far reaching and ambitious. Our goal is to bring the soccer community closer together through collaboration and communication. There are countless people that deserve recognition for their efforts as a player, official, or coach. Throughout the season, we will be highlighting these individuals through our Get To Know Me articles.
This will be a series made up of three different components. All of which are meant to bring attention to the soccer community.
- Get To Know Me (Coach Edition) – These individuals are responsible for building their programs, growing the game of soccer, and mentoring the next generation. We look forward to learning about their lives and philosophies.
- Get To Know Me (Player Edition) – This article series will focus on high school juniors and seniors that have demonstrated themselves to be quality players and people. With these features, our community will learn about some of the most impressive players in the state.
- Future of the Game – This article series will focus on the freshmen and sophomore classes. These are players that we will be covering for years to come.
Thank you to every individual that provided information for this idea. We appreciate your thoughtful and timely responses.
Kristie Brezenski
Name of High School Program: Columbus Scotus Central Catholic Girls
Occupation Outside of Coaching: 2nd Grade Teacher
Soccer Idol: Abby Wambach
Who would you consider to be your soccer mentor? What is the story behind your selection? How did they help you in your soccer journey?
My cousin Kim Engelbert was my soccer mentor. My dad and I would go watch her play when she was at Duchesne. She was quick, had moves, and had this “never say die” attitude. Kim was so kind off the field, but her presence on the field made me want to be her. She put in the work outside of practice and was willing to take me aside and show me some soccer moves. Any time given to a kid that looks up to you changes them. It builds them up, it gives them a sense that they can do anything, they can conquer the world.
Describe a favorite soccer memory that you have been involved with. This memory could be from your playing or coaching experiences. Tell us the story and impact of this memory.
When I was in college, we were playing in Kansas and we were up 2-1 against a top 10 team in NAIA. The game was getting rough and a little out of hand. A few of my teammates got into a small brawl and I remember our whole team sprinting from every side of the field to be there to defend them. We knew we had each others’ backs. That gave us the fuel we needed to get behind each other, dig in, and pull out the win. That year, we were so rough with each other at practice and would push each other so hard. But getting through those tough times together, we ended up being so close and would do anything for every member of that team. I truly believe that is one of the main reasons we were so successful that year.
List and describe three important pillars or values of your program. What is the culture of your program built on? What do they mean to you?
1. Perseverance – going above and beyond, despite the obstacles that lie in the path. Having that “Never give up!” attitude, fighting till the end.
2. Effort – that no matter what, 110% will be given at any point in time. The one thing that we can always count on is effort.
3. Camaraderie – any team that plays together and for each other, nothing can stop them.
This program is built on tradition. A tradition of being team first, doing everything we can to make each player be the best that they can for the betterment of the team. There have been a multitude of strong, successful athletes that have come through Scotus to strengthen the tradition of “whatever it takes.” I love that it hangs over our girls’ heads to strive to be a part of that tradition.
What is your motivation for coaching? This is a time-consuming and challenging occupation. Why do you do it?
My motivation for coaching is to not only give these girls the skills to succeed on the soccer field, but also to help aid in developing the skills to succeed in life. They need to find their own motivation to keep going when things are tough, they can’t depend on others to do it for you. Giving 100% effort when things seem pointless, can give you the push you need to rise above all else. To never settle on being just good enough at something, but to constantly strive to better yourself in every aspect of life. There will always be time and ways to get better to keep stepping up that ladder in life. Don’t always take the easy way, if it’s too easy, it’s too good to be true and probably not worth it. Things are hard in life, embrace the hard, take the bull by the horns, and be ready to fight. You are worth it!!!
Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.
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