Katie Brightwell Reflects on Record-Setting Soccer Career
This spring, Katie Brightwell led St. James to a 3A state championship. En route to breaking an all-time state record, Brightwell was also named the AHSAA Soccer Player of the Year.
Nowadays though, Katie and her sisters Hannah and Hope McCain are St. James soccer alums, coaching the next generation at soccer camp. But everything started when they were 4-years-old. One memory stands out.
“Her goal celebration,” Hannah said. “She used to always run with her arms up in the air. And there’s this little picture of us when we were babies, we had just won like the championship and we all had our trophies and we’re running from the corner of the field with our hands up and she’s holding up three little keys. Because I think she probably scored three goals, knowing her.”
Not much has changed. This April, Katie broke the AHSAA all-time career goals record. She finishes her career with 259 goals.
“It’s crazy because growing up.” Brightwell said, “I always wanted to have my name known through the sport since it’s what I’m truly passionate about and here, for these girls to see this and see that it’s possible that you can be whatever you want to be, the sky’s the limit. It’s just incredible. I can hopefully encourage all these girls to just keep chasing their dreams.”
Just like her father, St. James soccer coach Charlie Brightwell, has done for her.
“He grew up around soccer,” Katie said, “played soccer his whole life and so since I was four he’s been a coach of mine and he has just continually encouraged me and encouraged me to get better, to grow.”
Katie extends this support to her teammates, who have become best friends.
“She’s like the most reliable friend that you can ever ask for,” Hannah said. “If I call and I’m like ‘Hey, can you come over? I need this real quick.’ She’ll be the first one to run in every time. She’s always been there for me whenever anything’s been going on and it’s just really nice to have someone who’s there to support you like that all the time.”
Katie said she credits her teammates and coaches pushing her for her success. Therefore, she’s always doing everything she can to return the favor.
“Praising everyone around me, because I wouldn’t be who I am without them,” she said.
Now, she plans to study exercise science and become a physical therapist. This will allow her to continue to work athletes. And she’s excited for the opportunity to combine her love for her Christian faith with her love for soccer at Lipscomb University.
From 4 years old to heading off to college to play soccer, Katie continues to exceed goals and shoot for more.
