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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Bry Russell talks commitment to ASU with VYPE DFW
Two-time goalkeeper of the year, 2023 UIL Class 6A State Champion, and Flower Mound Marcus standout Bry Russell announced her commitment to play college soccer at Alabama State University in August. Following her announcement, Russell signed her letter of intent and sealed the deal. As she prepares to wrap up her high school career, she talked to VYPE regarding her decision to play for ASU.
Deciding to commit can be a difficult thing to do-- what factors went into picking Alabama State University?
"I chose Alabama State University because I wanted to experience a change and get to know the culture better at ASU. Coach Smith has been following me since I was a freshman in high school, so I felt that I was appreciated and wanted at ASU by the coaching staff."
What has been your favorite memory of playing with Flower Mound Marcus?
"Definitely my favorite memory is winning a girls 6-6A State Championship in 2023."
What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment through your high school career?
"I think my biggest accomplishment in high school soccer was making varsity as a freshman and being the only freshman on varsity that year."
What would you say has been the secret to your personal success?
"I think that I have succeeded in soccer throughout these years by working hard even when times got hard It is not easy being a 5'3 goalkeeper, but I knew what I wanted at the end of the day and I didn't quit."
What would you say has been the secret to your team's success?
"I think the secret to our team's success is the bonds that we have on the team; everyone is so close and it's like a family."
What are your goals as you wrap up your high school career?
"To wrap up my high school career, I would like to win another state championship."
Do you have any goals in mind for your collegiate career?
"A goal in mind coming into Alabama State University would definitely be me wanting to make an impact on the team in a positive way on and off the field!"
Who do you look up to and why?
"I definitely look up to my mom. She's one of the strongest people I know and I definitely wouldn't have made it this far without her."
Russell is looking to major in sports medicine at ASU with the hopes of becoming a physical therapist. For now, she continues strong on Flower Mound Marcus' squad as they continue through their season-- with only a few district games left in their schedule, be sure you catch her in action on the field with her fellow Lady Marauders. Their next match is March 5th at Lewsiville beginning at 7:30 p.m.
PREVIEW: Flower Mound Marcus Lady Marauder Soccer
Posting an incredible 26-1-1 overall record last season, the Flower Mound Marcus Lady Marauders finished as the UIL Class 6A Girls Soccer State Champion. Back on the hunt, FM Marcus is ready to get the ball rolling and search of the program's third state title (2005, '23). VYPE DFW takes a look at what fans can expect from this team this year:
Rewind
Last season being "successful" would be an understatement when talking about Flower Mound Marcus' girls' soccer team. The squad opened up their year with several impressive non-district victories including those over Byron Nelson (4-0), Frisco Wakeland (5-1), El Paso Americas (10-0), and McKinney Boyd (2-1). With outstanding focus on the field, it was clear to see from the very beginning that this team had something special going for them.
Entering district play, the Lady Marauders proceeded to go 12-1-1 with their only loss being against Hebron early in district play followed by their only tie being against Flower Mound. Despite those two matches, the team kept their heads up and proceeded to dominate the field game after game with incredible victories over Plano West (6-2), Coppell (4-0), Plano (4-0), Plano East (5-0, 6-0), Plano (7-0), Lewisville (9-1), and more.
Securing a first-place finish in their district and an entry into the playoffs, Flower Mound Marcus never looked back as they won game by game until they were champions on the season. Through playoffs, the Lady Marauders sent Denton Guyer, Richardson, Allen, Byron Nelson, Southlake Carroll, Round Rock Westwood, and Ridge Point home-- capping their season with a crown.
This Season
Looking ahead to this season, Flower Mound Marcus has several incredible athletes returning to the field such as senior goalkeeper Bry Russell, Dylan Howard, Ella Dunn, Savannah Wylie, Allie Williams, Maddie Busch, Dakota McKee, Hannah Campos, Gabi Childress, Annika Denning, Kyra Faselle, and more. A mature, focused, and determined team built up of those who have already experienced what it's like to put in the hard work, fans can expect this squad to show up and show out from the very moment they step foot onto the field this season.
While there are a few newcomers, there's no doubt that this team is built by those who are already veterans at doing their job well. Prepared to take on the likes of Arlington Martin, Midlothian, Prosper, Montverde Academy, Highland Park, and more through non-district play, this team will be put through the wringer and battle-tested before their district play begins. With the resiliency to make it out unscathed, the Lady Mauraders will enter district play in late January focused on securing another successful season!