Brooke Maly: The Defensive Beast
Ever since spending early years on the field, Brooke Maly has been a committed member of the soccer community, as well as a freestyler and coach for younger kids. Soccer is an especially important part of her life, as she has played on top teams for clubs such as Seattle Celtic and Seattle United. Brooke currently plays center defensive midfield for Seattle United.
“I like to play soccer wherever, whenever I can,” Maly said. “My backyard was my first field. That’s where I learned to play soccer.”
“What started me out was my family,” Maly said. “My parents both played in high school, and my sister currently plays for Seattle United.”
At the age of four, Brooke was introduced to the world of soccer by her older sister, Hanna. “I was the little sister, so I wanted to be just like Hanna,” Maly said. “My dad was my first coach, and I don’t think I would ever have pursued soccer without him supporting me.”
After having fun playing for the recreation soccer team for two years, Maly decided it was time to try out for a select club team. She was placed on Seattle Celtic’s A team, which is very impressive.
“I think what makes me a good player is that I never give up on the ball and I really like to win.” Maly said. “I’m also on a different team than all my friends so it kind of fuels me to play my best so I can move up to that team.” I played two years up when I was six, and playing with the older kids boosted my skills a lot.”
Pep Guardiola is an expert soccer coach. He says, “A top-level soccer player must have extreme tactical intelligence, technical versatility to play multiple positions, and mental resilience to handle high pressure, competitive environments.”
One of the reasons Brooke loves soccer is because it lets her meet new people and she always leaves the game with a good memory.
“I have made so many friends from soccer, and I am still close with many people I have met through the sport,” Maly said. “One of my favorite soccer memories is when I was in a tournament, playing a particularly good team and I scored twice. Then, I had to play goalie and I saved two goals. I am very proud of that, and that shows how unpredictable soccer is, and how the underdog always has a chance. That’s why I love it so much.”
There have been many challenges for Brooke such as injuries or teammate problems, but she has persevered through to be the player she is now. Brooke has a great future in soccer ahead of her with Seattle United and for the Blaine girls’ soccer team. Would you like to be her teammate?
By: Caleb Cohen
