By Trevor Wenners
Assistant Director of Sports Information
Olivia Braun was one of the key catalysts that changed the trajectory of the LaGrange College women's soccer program over the last five years.
Braun was a four-year player for the Panthers and the head captain of the women's soccer team since the end of her sophomore year. She was a driving force on the 2019 Panthers, helping the squad earn eight wins. The eight victories were the most for the team since the 2013 season and tied for the third most in a single season in program history.
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During the 2019 season, LaGrange won five-consecutive games from Sept. 8-21, recording four shutouts during that span. The Panthers outscored those five opponents by a combined margin of 16-2. The program has begun planting the seeds for a bright future, with Braun being a pivotal factor in laying the foundation.
"I hope to be remembered as someone who cared," said Braun. "The culture of being a LaGrange College women's soccer player is not molded by one individual. I know the program is heading toward some big wins, led by captains Sydney Dailey, Riley Hammett and Madison Demkowski."
Braun, who hails from Carrollton, Georgia, suited up for the Panthers in 2015, and then from 2017-19. During her outstanding career, she appeared in 63 games and started 42, finishing with five goals, one assist and 11 points.
The forward recorded her first-collegiate point, with an assist, during a 3-1 win at Judson on Sept. 11, 2015. She finished with a two-goal effort, including her first-collegiate goal and the game-winner, in a 7-0 triumph at Sweet Briar on Sept. 23, 2018.
During her senior campaign, the young woman appeared in all 19 games, making 18 starts. Braun netted three goals on the season. She found the back of the net twice during a 3-2 victory over Toccoa Falls on Sept. 11 at Panther Field.
"Over the last few years, Olivia has been a great role model for the team," said rising junior forward Jasmine Middleton. "Olivia was a teammate and captain that led by example. She showed the team how important it was to never give up and to always play with a positive attitude. My teammates and I knew we could always count on Olivia to support us on and off the field, whether it be by giving one of her inspirational pregame talks or by simply being there to listen to us talk about life. Her leadership, work ethic and drive will definitely be missed by the team next season."
The down-to-earth Braun took some time to reflect on her playing days and spoke about the future.
Q: Who had the biggest impact on you at LaGrange?
A: Former LaGrange College athletic trainer Peggy Peterson had the biggest impact on me. I would not have much to say about my athletic career if it was not for Peggy being my side. She always helped me with my notorious ankle injury, without a complaint. Peggy is one of the most inspirational people if you chose to listen to her story. For example, she is studying for her doctorate degree during a global pandemic.
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Q: What was your favorite moment individually and as a team during your collegiate career?
A: My favorite moments individually were all the times that head coach Fred Wagenaar let me run over to the bleachers and give my mother a hug during halftime. As a team, I enjoyed the moments of celebration, exhaustion and even the moments of disappointment after a tough loss. I refuse to pick a favorite because each moment will be something that I will always miss.
Q: How has the COVID-19 pandemic altered your mindset?
A: The COVID-19 pandemic showed me that life will always run its course. We can plan a month or five years in advance, but something may come slamming our way. How we choose to respond makes up our individual character.
Q: How would you sell the LaGrange experience to a recruit?
A: The LaGrange experience is something in its own entirety of uniqueness. The only people that understand its individuality are the ones that choose to attend.
Q: What advice would you give a younger version of yourself?
A: I would advise myself to work harder in athletics and academics. The harder that people push mentally and physically, the greater the reward.
Q: What has your post-graduation life consisted of?
A: Post-graduation life during this worldwide pandemic has helped me appreciate the outdoors even more. I try to be conscious about my screen time throughout the day. My roommate, Nikkola Guzzi, treated me to a wonderful dinner in celebration of my graduation.
Q: What are your career aspirations?
A: I aspire to be a soccer coach. LaGrange is where I met former men's soccer head coach Matthew Evans. I volunteer, alongside Evans, for the AFC Lightning Troup Soccer club.
Q: How would you describe yourself in two sentences?
A: The most important thing in this world to me is people. I hope we soon begin to take care of those in need.
Trevor Wenners can be reached at twenners@lagrange.edu.
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