Senior Recognition
 
Name: Brianna McGowan (Women's Soccer)
 
Hometown/High School: Hermitage, Pa./Hickory 
 
Parents: Anne & Rob McGowan
 
Major: Biochemistry 
 
Expected Future Plans (Job, Graduate School, etc.): Working as a microbiology assistant at a biotech company CookMyosite, going to Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM Medical School) in the fall. 
 
Notable Stats: Appeared in 52 games (47 starts) as a member of the defensive unit during her three seasons with the team. Scored her first collegiate goal in a 5-0 shutout win at Bethany on Oct. 29, 2019. She has been honored twice on the PAC Fall Academic Honor Roll. 
 
Honors (Athletic and Academic): Four-year member of The National Society of Leadership and Success, Alpha Lambda Delta National Honors Society, and Washington Fellows. Also, I am a Magellan Scholar, Maxwell Scholar, and Merck Scholar.
 
Most Memorable W&J Moment: My favorite memory was making a music video with the soccer team to the song "Year 3000" by the Jonas Brothers. 
 
What was your favorite class or professor at Washington & Jefferson College? My favorite class was Developmental Psychology with Dr. McDonald and my favorite lab was Physical Chemistry Lab with Dr. Smith. 
 
What message or advice would you like to give your teammates? Enjoy it!
 

WORDS FROM HER TEAMMATES
 
Marcy Saldivar: "Since freshman year, Bri was committed to the soccer team, worked hard, and remained a dependable friend for all her teammates. Bri always made practice a happy place with her bubbly personality and laughter. Through the years, Bri's position occasionally changed, and she would put her head down and work hard no matter what. This is something I always appreciated and believe reflects her character as a whole: willing to sacrifice herself for the greater good. We will certainly miss her grit and I will miss her presence on the field and in the W&J community."


Lexey Finney: 

What makes Bri special as a person and teammate? 

"Brianna is very driven in the classroom and on the soccer field, which has made her a very good influence on the rest of the team!"


Grace Rangel:

1. How has Bri impacted you in your sport and your life?

• "Bri is a very strong defender and very reliable in the game. That being said, those same concepts can be applied to real life as a friend. Bri and I grew together over the years even though we're very different we still had a very strong friendship through college."

2.    What are some memorable moments from your time with her? 

• "One of my favorite memories of Bri is her singing on the away bus. She is very goofy and it helps bring fun during the season even if she can't hit the high notes."

3.  What makes Bri special as a person and teammate? 

• "Bri is very confident and knows what she wants. She is easily one of the most successful people I know and will continue to do great things. I only wish her the best!"

Hannah Johnston:

1. How has Bri impacted you in your sport and your life?

• "Bri was one of my favorite people to play with because she had the drive and determination to win every game, even if we were down, or playing a really good team. She gave her all every game and that really inspired me to do the same. Off the field, I knew I could always ask Bri for advice or go to her for help in any area of my life."

2.    What are some memorable moments from your time with her? 

• "My favorite memories are doing calculus homework with her on the soccer bus, hanging out in Bica 260, and going to church on Sundays."

3.    What makes Bri special as a person and teammate? 

• "What makes Bri a special player and person is how much she cares for everything and everyone in her life. She works hard at everything she does and is determined to be successful, which has led her to graduating early and getting a job, which will help prepare her for grad school."

 
Erin Herock: 

1. How has Bri impacted you in your sport and your life?

• "I met Bri on my recruit visit before coming to W&J. Instantly, I recognized her as a fun personality with a kind smile and positive attitude. She has always been extremely supportive of me and many throughout these three years on and off the field. I have appreciated our friendship and her positive energy has definitely left an impression on me!"

2.    What are some memorable moments from your time with her? 

• "Our freshman year we worked on the same project for the service week which was so much fun! Definitely was the support I needed when tearing down that shed. Otherwise, she was the life of the party on the back of the bus, and I enjoyed her presence in the locker room."

3.    What makes Bri special as a person and teammate? 

• "It was pretty obvious how she embodies being a student athlete. As someone going to medical school next year, she knows how to study hard and places her academics first. But even more impressively, she was an integral part of our defense the past three years. She served as a continuous inspiration to work hard both on and off the field, and also helped people along the way to try to achieve the same."

 

WORDS FROM THE COACH
 
Kendra Jones: "Bri was a great example of what it means to be a student-athlete. She balanced the academic rigors as a Pre-Med student with the commitment of time and effort expected as a member of the soccer program. She was a hard-working player who put in a significant amount of time on her own to ensure she was fit and strong for every soccer season. On the soccer field she was a regular in our back line, which has maintained one of the lowest goals against averages in the PAC for the last 2 seasons. Bri will be missed, but I know she is ready for her next challenge of medical school as she continues to work toward becoming a doctor."


 
We want to thank all Brianna for her hard work, dedication and resiliency during her time at W&J. Once a President, Forever a President. #PrezPride