"When Going Gets Tough, McJury Gets Going"

The jury is still out on Brenna McJury: Is she the nice, smart chemistry honors student that many know her to be?

Or is she the gritty, hard-nosed defender on the pitch her coaches and teammates know and love?

Many would say that she is both.

A 21-year-old native of Brockport, McJury takes pride in both, but her love for the game of soccer is unquestioned. As a senior co-captain of the women's team, she knows that she's the go-to girl and one of the leaders on and off and the field. She's a standout in the classroom too - McJury is a member of the Golden Key and Phi Eta Sigma honor societies on campus.

The second of three children, McJury grew up in an athletic environment, as both of her brothers played hockey, but her burning desire to play soccer even convinced her brothers to pick up the sport after she started playing at age seven.

"My mom tells me that I've wanted to play soccer ever since I could talk," said McJury. "She doesn't know where it came from though, because neither of my parents played soccer ... I wanted to play hockey when I was younger, but my dad told me I couldn't play because I was a girl and there were no girls' teams back then."

Recruited by Buffalo as a forward/midfield, McJury scored 11 goals and nine assists her senior year of high school, but learned her 3 Ds of soccer defense (delay, destroy, develop) on the fly when an injury forced the versatile McJury to move back. She made the most of this temporary setback, eventually becoming the mainstay of the UB defense, but not before notching three goals and three assists in her rookie campaign.

"The adjustment was kind of hard at first, but even as a midfielder I was always defensive minded ... so when I moved back, I knew what I was supposed to be doing," said McJury.

Her versatility and perseverance paid off last season, as she was recognized for her fine play with First Team All-MAC honors. McJury credits this to an increase in confidence.

"I think I've become more confident in my play. Before I always felt panicked, thinking I was going to make a mistake, and now I feel that I know what I'm supposed to be doing, and it all seems easier to me."

This confidence permeates to the rest of the team, and as McJury is a senior co-captain, her confidence may help the team win games.

"Our job is to focus on team chemistry, and to keep everyone motivated with tough practices. Last year, I was a captain, but there were the senior captains, so I could lead by example," said McJury. "This year, I'm trying to talk more (to my teammates), but I definitely enjoy a leader."

Seems fit for a team leader, no? The unshakable McJury isn't even superstitious, as many top-notch athletes are. McJury also enjoys cooking, and claims to make a mean chicken stir-fry. Her favorite athlete is Christine Lilly, but she has a thing for professional tennis stars, especially heartthrob Andy Roddick.

To relax, McJury listens to a lot of country music and classic rock, and she especially enjoys the music of Tom Petty.

The next time McJury and the Bulls will be playing at RAC Field will be Friday, October 15th, at 7 p.m.

Five Random Questions:

1) Who was your role model growing up and why?

It would probably be my older brother John because he always seemed to be in control while having fun at the same time. He also played sports, so it was easy to look up to him when I was growing up.

2) If you could face off in a celebrity boxing match with anybody, who would it be?

I'd box any of the little annoying teeny-bopper stars out right now.

3) What's the biggest difference between you and the average person?

I guess I'd have to say my versatility. I'm involved with a lot of different things. I'm in the Chemistry Club, Golden Key, Phi Eta Sigma.

4) What's your favorite sports movie?

Slap Shot - I think it's hilarious. It's definitely not the regular motivational sports movie ... I mean I love 'Miracle', but it's totally not the same!

5) Now that UB is officially a Pepsi campus, which soda do you prefer - Coke or Pepsi?

I like Pepsi better, but I'm a big Dr. Pepper fan myself.