If the Bobcats were office supplies, Sarah Brown would be the staple.
As Ohio's center back, Brown holds together her team's defensive line. Largely because of her constant presence on the pitch, the Bobcats have held opponents to one goal or less in 10 of the squad's 15 games.
Ohio's most experienced defender has been on the field for 1,414 of their 1,434 minutes of action this season. Only junior midfielder Sara Seitz and freshman goalkeeper Mattie Liston have logged more playing time than she has this year, and among active players, only senior midfielder Jackie Hanson has played in as many career games - 70 - for the Bobcats.
The North Royalton native has earned her keep at center back through her devotion to her teammates and the strong mentality she displays on the field.
Playing center back is a huge responsibility
not unlike the goalkeeper said coach Stacy Strauss. They have to organize communicate (and) keep everybody on the same page.
Brown started playing later than many players do, first joining a team at about age 10.
Way back in the day
actually
I (started playing) because all of my friends were doing it
she said. I just wanted to be a part of the group
so I started playing soccer with them.
By the time the following season came around, Brown started playing competitively. Her coaches taught her the basics of soccer, specifically the mechanics of defending and attacking.
I was kind of natural at it
so I started loving it more and more every time I went out there
she said.
Brown has been a defender her entire career. Only in situations where a game's outcome was all but decided would her coaches move her up to forward.
I definitely liked defense a lot better
but it was always fun to go out there and put a few in the net
she said.
Brown's athletic talent was evident in the other sports she played. She pursued gymnastics and softball and was a four-year letter winner for North Royalton High School's track team - in addition to playing soccer year-round for her high school and club teams.
But when it finally came time to choose one sport, choosing soccer was a no-brainer.
I was just the best at soccer
