Freshman striker Jack Brunkan, a standout player on the boys JV soccer team this season at Blanchet, has been playing soccer for an official team since the first grade, gaining thousands of touches on the ball since an extremely young age.

For many of the Blanchet players, soccer is more than just a game, and that is exactly how Brunkan feels.

“My grandfather is Latin,” said Brunkan, “and he has always followed the game religiously. He was the one that first introduced soccer to me and has fueled my passion ever since.”

Brunkan lived in Costa Rica and was surrounded by a supportive community that constantly played the game and rooted each other on during play.

Having learned about community on a team and pride about the game in Costa Rica, Brunkan develops and spreads that knowledge he has to the Blanchet team.

“I think the team this year has good chemistry,” said Brunkan, “and we have a lot of fun playing.  At practice we work, but we also know when to have fun and enjoy ourselves.”

The bond built on the JV team has helped form the fresh faces into a family on and off the field.

With a handful of wins and loses this season, the team is honing in on their skills and continually learning each and everyday.

For Brunkan, this learning on the field with his team is essential for growing players, including himself.