By Kyle LoJacono
Wiregrass Ranch High senior Kelsie Brunke is not satisfied with being part of one winning program. She needed to make it two.
Brunke is not only a member of the Bulls soccer team that is 21-2-2 and the Class 4A-District 8 championship, she is also a team captain on the cheerleading squad that has qualified for the state meet.
“I’ve just liked doing them both,” Brunke said. “I’ve been cheerleading for four years and played soccer for longer than that. I couldn’t really pick between the two because they’re so different and I love them both. I just sleep a lot when we don’t have a practice or game.”
Brunke is a defender on the Bulls soccer team that allowed just 28 goals, or 1.1 per contest, during the regular season. Her efforts helped the squad not only win the first district tournament game in program history, but also reach regionals for the first time.
She did not record any goals or assists from the backline, but Wiregrass Ranch soccer coach Erin Dodd said her presence was always felt.
“She’s a very fast and aggressive player,” Dodd said. “That’s her greatest strength is her speed. She pressures the forwards and makes it really hard for them to get a clean shot or pass.”
Dodd said Brunke started at times when she felt her speed would match up better against their opponents, but also injected a lot of energy when she came off the bench.
“She’s also a vocal leader and someone who leads by example at the same time,” Dodd said. “She’s the kind of kid you don’t have to worry about. She also takes college classes. She’s a very remarkable young lady.”
As a cheerleader, Brunke is one of three team captains. Her leadership and skill helped the Bulls win the all girl division at the Best of Pasco event this season.
The cheerleading squad followed that up by finishing second at the Region 2 large varsity division competition Jan. 8.
“Winning Best of Pasco was very exciting,” Brunke said. “We didn’t do very well there before and it was very rewarding to win that in my senior year. Getting past regions was cool too. We made it to states a couple years ago and I’m glad we could make it back this year.”
Kara Babij, Bulls cheerleading coach, said the team would not have been able to do what it has without people like Brunke.
“She’s one of our true leaders,” Babij said.
Brunke has seen a lot of winning this season, but it has not always been easy to practice and play/compete for two teams.
“We worked around each other’s practices,” Dodd said. “When she had practice on the same day, we’d share her for part of the time or she’d be there on one day and with us for another. The important thing is every time she’s on either the field or in the gym she gives 100 percent.”
The Bulls soccer team will play at home against Gulf High at 7 p.m. Jan. 27 in the first regional tournament game in program history. The Wiregrass Ranch cheerleaders will next compete in the state meet Feb. 4-5 in Orlando.
