Melanie Bravo dominates the field
The sophomore is all about effort, which has translated to success on the field
Melanie Bravo has been playing soccer for 10 years, but strives to keep learning the game.
When Melanie Bravo was five-years-old, she would watch her older siblings play soccer with her dad.
“I wanted to be like them,” she said.
She didn’t like watching. So, she asked her dad to sign her up for soccer.
Ever since then Melanie never stopped playing and has only gotten better.
This year is her 10th year playing. Now she starts for the 7-4-2 Colton Yellowjackets.
Since Melanie takes soccer “extremely serious,” she doesn’t do any other activities outside of soccer. Her main focuses right now are soccer and school. After school she will usually just “go to soccer practice and do homework.”
When Melanie plays she always tries her best and never wants to let her team down.
“The girls definitely make it fun,” she said. “We’re really close.”
That closeness has translated into a strong showing this season for the Yellowjackets, who, with only a few games remaining on their schedule, are positioned to make the playoffs. Melanie is a huge part of that success, but she doesn’t have a big head about it.
“If coach tells me I’m doing something wrong, I’ll try and correct it,” she said.
If it came down to two players, one that has great skill, but no effort, and a player that has great effort, but no skill—he would pick the player with great effort but no skill, because you can teach skill but not effort. — Melanie Bravo
That sort of effort is why Melanie and her teammates are enjoying success this season. Her coach has often preached the value of effort to his team, and the lesson has stuck with Melanie. “If it came down to two players, one that has great skill, but no effort, and a player that has great effort, but no skill—he would pick the player with great effort but no skill, because you can teach skill but not effort.”
She always remembers this when her spirits are low.
Though Melanie doesn’t plan on pursuing a career in soccer, she does plan on continuing to play soccer throughout high school and into college.
Melanie has a true passion for soccer and it really shows on the field.
When watching her play, you can see all the time, effort, and dedication she puts into the sport.
Not only is her skill there when she plays but so is her heart.
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Samantha Reynoso writes for the Pepper Bough. This is her second year writing for the paper. In addition to enjoying publishing stories, she loves spending...
