Athlete Spotlight: Brenna Paquette

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications 

SALEM, Mass. – Our athlete spotlight focuses on the reigning MASCAC Offensive Player of the Week, Brenna Paquette (Hudson, N.H.) for the week ending September 30.  The senior from New Hampshire had an impressive week scoring two goals, going 2-for-2 on penalty kicks in two games this week. 

Paquette, who started playing soccer when she was five years old, was surprised she won the award. "I was surprised when I was named offensive player of the week. It's pretty cool to be given that title for the time being, but it's really because of my teammates that got me there in the first place." 

The senior is currently studying Elementary Education and one goal she wants to accomplish this season is: "Just to keep a positive mindset throughout the entire season. I want to be the teammate that people can lean on, but also the teammate where people can take some of my positive energy and use it towards themselves."

She talked about the game this past Saturday when the Vikings shutout Mass-Maritime 4-0. "We knew going into the game that Mass Maritime was going to be a big game for us. We knew that if we were able to possess the ball and play really well defensively, our offense will come. We knew that Mass Maritime was going to be a tough, physical team, so we had to be prepared for that as well.  Going above .500 in conference early is a really good feeling to experience. I think it is giving a lot of the team a confidence boost. We still have some tough teams ahead of us in conference, but we're looking to keep this mentality moving forward." 

Paquette played a major role, scoring twice late in the game. Both of those goals came on penalty shots. "I wouldn't have gotten the opportunity to take those two penalty kicks without my teammates not giving up on the two plays they made. I knew I had to capitalize both shots for my teammates. The first one was definitely a little nerve racking, but as soon as I saw the ball go in, I felt a lot better when taking the second one. We have a really good support system, so being able to celebrate those goals with my team afterwards was definitely a highlight as well"

A few weeks back on September 21, Salem State defeated Vermont-State Lyndon. The senior believed that was the turning point of the season. "Getting that first win on the road I think was a turning point for us. We were able to put the ball away against a beatable team. The energy was high, especially in the second half. We started to connect our passes and making runs that we were struggling with previously. It was worth the six hour journey to Vermont."

The Vikings still have four more conference games left during the course of the season and she talked about the importance of those contests. "We know how important conference games are. We are still growing as a team and making a new name for ourselves in the MASCAC. It would be pretty awesome to host a playoff game this year. It would be memorable for sure. I think as a team that is one of our goals."

She mentioned the different routines she has during practice and games. "I am somewhat superstitious on game days. I have a specific way I put my cleats and the rest of my gear on. I've also had the same game-day hair since high school. For practice, I just make sure I'm in the locker room early enough to get ready, get my mind focused on soccer, and hang out with my teammates."

Paquette talked about her off-season routine. "I really enjoy working out and I'm more of a morning person, so I will usually try to get workouts earlier in the mornings. It gets my day off on the right foot and can also be an outlet for me as well."

She expressed what the word Viking means to her. "Being a Viking means being part of a family. Ever since joining the women's soccer team, I have felt welcomed and a part of something much bigger than soccer. I have been able to make friendships and connections with both my teammates and the athletic staff that will last me a lifetime."

She mentioned the people who have impacted her the most in her life. "My parents have really impacted me as a person and a player. They give me such a strong support system for all the good, bad, and ugly days. They are constantly showing up for me, and motivate me to be the best version of myself no matter what the outcome of a game or any situation is. I would definitely not be the person or the athlete I am today without them by my side for all these years."

Paquette talked about which professional athlete she would love to see. "I think it would be really cool to watch Rose Lavelle or (Lionel) Messi play. Both athletes are not only really entertaining to watch, but also just love what they do and you can see that by the way they play." 

She encourages future generations to pursue the sport of soccer. "I think something I want the future generations of soccer players to know is how to have a good balance of hard work and just having fun. The reason why we play the sport is because it's fun, and it's important to remind people of that, including myself."

Paquette and the Vikings will travel to Bridgewater on Saturday. Game time is at noon.