The Brophy soccer team was eliminated from the AIA postseason with a 3-2 double overtime loss to Highland in the play-in round on Feb. 8.
“They didn’t quit and it was our best performance of the year in terms of heart,” said Head Coach Marc Kelly. “They got a goal at the very end and that is how these things are decided in a tournament game. It is difficult for the team. They worked hard.”
The Broncos' Chris Honan scored in the second overtime to match a Hawk overtime goal but Horizon answered with its second goal to pull out the victory.
Senior Lucas Roland opened the game with a score to give Brophy a 1-0 lead. It lasted until midway into the second when Highland tied the game, eventually forcing the overtime periods.
“Lucas had a beautiful, driving set piece that found the corner,” said Kelly of the first goal. “Then, Chris Honan found the corner in overtime. Both were big for us.”
Kelly says goodbye to a big senior class on his roster. Overall 14 seniors and the student manager Sam Kerkhove represented Brophy for the final time against Highland.
“The group is made up of so many amazing guys,” said Kelly. “They were all great. They were great leaders and so much fun to coach.”
Brophy College Preparatory celebrated its 76th commencement on Saturday, May 18, at 9 a.m. in Robson Gymnasium. This graduation was significant for the Class of 2024, who began their high school journey remotely due to the pandemic.
The Class of 2024 demonstrated resilience and connection despite the challenges of starting their education online. Their unity and adaptability were evident throughout their time at Brophy, embodying their class theme: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Valedictorian Doer Leo He delivered a memorable speech, drawing parallels to the movie "Finding Nemo" and encouraging his classmates to persevere with the phrase, "Just keep swimming." President Bob Ryan and Principal Jim Bopp also spoke, highlighting the graduates' resilience and urging them to be agents of positive change.
The ceremony concluded with a strong sense of pride and accomplishment, celebrating the Class of 2024's journey from remote learning to a united and triumphant graduation.