Athlete of the Week: Noah Brende

Despite being only four games into their already delayed soccer season, senior Noah Brende is hoping his team can build upon their chemistry and focus on winning Sunflower League as well as preparing for playoffs. 

Here is a Q&A with starting varsity center back, Noah Brende:

How has your team reacted to the delayed start of the fall season due to COVID-19?

A: “It’s weird because we didn’t really get any extra time before the season to practice, but I’d say we’ve come together really well. We are 3-1 right now and I think we’ve done a good job moving the ball around, and our team defense is really good this year.”

What type of challenges have you faced as a team so far? 

“I think the most difficult thing is we just have less time with one another as a team so it’s harder to build chemistry and relationships with our teammates. We also aren’t allowed to do anything outside of practice like team dinners.”

How are practices and games different from last year? What type of safety precautions are you all taking? 

“Anytime we aren’t doing an activity we have to wear masks and be six feet apart. I think it’s important to be socially safe because I want to keep my family safe, and in order to continue our season we need to be staying safe.”

What has it been like not having as many fans at the games for support?

“Well for soccer during club season, everyone plays with just their parents there so it definitely feels like a club game but we do miss our fans.”

What are the rules with tickets? How many does each player get?

“The practice before our game, [Coach] Kelly hands out two tickets for everyone’s parents. If you lose your tickets you don’t get any new one’s.”

What does being able to play your senior year mean to you?

“It means a lot I’ve been looking forward to my senior year for a long time so I was really excited to start playing. I like it a lot because there are 18 seniors this year and it’s been cool to see how all of us have grown at East.”

Next Tuesday, the Lancers will be taking on the Shawnee Mission Northwest Cougars at Shawnee Mission Soccer Complex at 7:00 p.m..