Seniors bid farewell to special team, season

Published 10:36 pm Thursday, October 10, 2024

BROOKHAVEN — Through tears and heartache, Brookhaven Academy seniors bid a goodbye to teammates and the 2024 soccer season Thursday night. East Rankin Academy ended the Cougars playoff run in the MAIS Division II South State Championship with a 6-0 win. 

Brookhaven Academy played with a lot of effort, determination and aggression but ERA made the most of chances. The Patriots were able to move the ball all over the pitch and find openings in the defense. 

Head Coach Alex Brown had comforting words for his squad. He asked if any seniors wanted to say anything to conclude. Senior Ava Calcote addressed the team after the game. She was the first senior to speak although she had to pause for a minute to pull herself together. 

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“Y’all made it so special and I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else. Thank you for the effort you put in and making it so enjoyable,” Calcote said. “I love all of you so much. I’ll be here if you need anything.”

Fellow senior defender Matti Claire Smith was able to get a few words out through tears. She is a fierce competitor and wanted nothing more than the team to win. 

“I love y’all a lot,” she said. 

Goalkeeper Ainsley Orr spent the night beside Brookhaven Academy’s trainer coaching and encouraging teammates like she had done all season. The senior tore her ACL in the summer before the season started and missed the season. 

“Thank you for letting me tag along. It was the hardest decision I’ve ever made,” Orr said. “I didn’t want to miss the season and let y’all down. We will always be here for you if you need anything.”

Senior defender Chloe Nelson plans to attend Mississippi State University after graduation where she will study business. She said she plans to own her own business one day. 

Nelson said she learned from the seasons and team the importance of working hard among other things. 

“Friendships mean a lot and you learn more than soccer,” Nelson said. “I’ll miss the friendships and all the hard work Coach Alex and Brandon put in. Coach Alex convinced me to play soccer in Spanish class three years ago. He harped on me every day and I finally gave in and tried out. The younger players made it all worth it and so fun.”

Seniors were wrapped up in hugs, swaying side to side as Nelson spoke. There was not a dry eye on the team. 

Brookhaven Academy has a promising future ahead of them. Goalkeeper Elizabeth Durr, a seventh grader, stepped up and made a huge save on a penalty kick in the second half. It was on the rebound opportunity where she took a blow to the head and left the game with a likely concussion, she did make the save though. 

Sue and Mary Anson Tate worked hard along with Karen Hernandez in the midfield as Camielle Calcote and Kyndra Quinn hustled up top. Seventh grader Presley Day put in quite a shift marking East Rankin’s best player. She was physical and did not let up. Olivia Case showed similar tenacity. As the game drew to a close, Day sprinted off the field to an ovation from the BA fans. All of the players gave everything they had. 

“The girls played their hearts out tonight. I’m very proud of them. I’m excited to keep working with the kids. We’ve come a long way,” Brown said. “I’m thankful I get to work with kids that love each other and love football.”