See all posts in the Kirk’s Captain Corner series
(Kirk’s Captain Corner is a regular feature that will allow Carver County residents to get to know the student-leaders of the various teams in our high schools. Today, we feature senior captains Brynn and Leah Jonswold of the Chanhassen girls soccer team.)
When did you both start playing soccer?
When we were 5.
What positions do you play? How well do you feed off one another on the field?
Brynn: I play center back and Leah plays both center back and outside back (defenders). We feed off of each other quite well on the field as we often know what each other is doing without much direction.
Chanhassen is having a heck of a season so far — what do you attribute the team’s success to?
The team chemistry has been huge this year as well as the work ethic from everyone on the team. Every practice we all come to give our all and focus only on soccer for the duration of our time together. We understand how blessed we are to be able to play soccer together and we show that on the field.
Be honest — what is the best “twins prank” you’ve pulled on your teammates or coaches?
Honestly, it’s impossible for us to pull one over on our coaches, they know us and our personalities far too well. We wouldn’t be able to trick them if we tried.
Do you have similar personalities and leadership styles on the field? Or are there distinct differences between you two?
Leah: Definitely different leadership styles. Brynn is more of a serious force to be reckoned with while I often can’t hide my comedic side. We find we balance each other out quite well.
You are both committed to play soccer next year at the College of St. Benedict. What about the school and the program drew you both there?
Our mom has loved St. Ben’s for as long as we can remember — that was how we originally found out about the school. We had a couple options for schools that we were looking at, and none came close to St. Ben’s. From the culture and school spirit to the coaching staff to the team. It all felt right. That all along with the fact that our triplet sister, Maryn, who is also one of our lovely soccer managers, wanted to go to St. Ben’s from the start, so, there was no question about it in the end.
What does it mean to you to be a team Captain?
Leah: It means being a supporting presence and understanding my role in leading the team. It also means that I need to be an example for everyone else. It means always having the mentality that the team is more important than me.
Brynn: To me, it means doing everything I can to lead the team through thick and thin. It means always putting the team over myself. It’s such an honor to be in a position that allows me to be a voice for such an amazing group of ladies.
The Storm girls soccer team plays Oct. 4 at St. Michael-Albertville High School, with a start time of 2 p.m. The team starts section play on Tuesday, Oct. 7. Game locations and start times will be announced soon – check out metrowestconference.org for all Chanhassen Storm schedules.
