Bridget Brooks

Oct. 19, 1999

By Bill Bunting Ole Miss Sports Information Student Assistant

When Bridget Brooks first set foot on the Ole Miss campus this fall, soccer coach Steve Holeman wasn't sure what to expect from his freshman player.

"You never know what to expect from freshmen," Holeman said. "We knew she was a good player, but you never know what they can do. You don't place as much expectations on freshmen because you're concerned with whether they can make the transition from high school to SEC college soccer. "Some do and some don't make the adjustment," Holeman said.

Brooks made the adjustment and answered any questions Holeman might have had about the incoming freshman. The Shreveport, La., native has scored 14 goals on 25 shots this season. Brooks really came alive in the last 10 games, scoring 12 of her goals in the last 10 games.

The freshman is currently third in the SEC in goals scored behind University of Florida teammates Sarah Yohe (18) and Abby Wambach (18). Florida claimed the national title last season.

Junior Regan Scanlon entered the season tabbed as the player to watch on the Ole Miss roster, but since the arrival of Brooks, the picture has changed. Scanlon still turns heads with her on the field performance, but she now has a partner in crime with Brooks.

Scanlon wouldn't want it any other way.

"We need someone to step up," Scanlon said. "It's great that it's a freshman because that means she has three more seasons ahead of her. If there's any competition between the two of us, it's good competition. We work for the team and I really want her to do well. It's total teamwork."

Brooks said she likes the idea of scoring goals for the team, but doesn't have it in her mind that she has to be the one doing the scoring.

"We push each other," Brooks said of her relationship with Scanlon. "We look out for each other, too. It's a great experience that I never expected. I've worked hard, but it's a total team effort. I just go out ready to play."

Brooks was not always sure about where she wanted to play soccer. In fact, her decision to come to Ole Miss was a last minute one. She had been looking at Christian Brothers University in Memphis along with Alabama and LSU. She changed her mind when she visited Ole Miss.

"I really liked the program and the team," Brooks said. "Of course, the coaching staff is great. Plus, one of my good friends was coming here."

Holeman has been pleased with the added dimension Brooks brings to his team.

"She's what every team needs and what every coach wants," Holeman said. "She's someone who can finish. She finishes the goals she should. She's got a great first touch and she's very intelligent in the box."

Brooks simply wants to do as much as possible to contribute to her team's goals. Currently, the Rebels are in the lead in the SEC's Western Division title race and the freshman wants to keep it that way. The next three weeks will be the most difficult for the Rebels, but Brooks feels confident her team can pull through.

"I think we can play well," Brooks said. "We have been well prepared for the next three weeks. It's going to be long, but I don't think it will hurt us too much."

If the Rebels can run through the gauntlet of the SEC's Eastern Division and showdowns with Kansas and San Diego State with minimal damage, Brooks could be a part of the first Rebel team to claim a Western Division title and receive a bid to the NCAA Tournament.

It's something Brooks wants, but right now she's taking things one game at a time.

The University of Mississippi Athletics

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