Texas soccer’s junior defender Breana Thompson has transformed from a rotational player to a pivotal playmaker for the Longhorns. Her journey has been filled with growth both on and off the field as she strives to be both a key player and leader for the Longhorns.

Even after starting 20 games out of 22 played the year prior, Thompson did not begin this season as a starter. 

“It was definitely a different role than I’ve had the previous season, and being able to adapt to that was a big part of it,” she said. “Coming into that role and just having really encouraging teammates was really helpful, and helped me take on the new position.”  

Since then, Thompson has started in all nine games, partnering with sophomore defender Carly Montgomery in the middle of the defense. In those nine games, Texas has kept five clean sheets, bringing the season total up to seven.

“We’ve all just been collectively on the same page with the amount of effort that we’ve all put in, and the want and the grit and the effort to not get beat or to not get scored on,” Thompson said. “The term G.U.S. (Grit, Unity, Selflessness) is what we live by. And our whole back line has embodied that this season.”

This year’s Texas team is filled with veteran leadership, as the entire starting 11 from a year ago is still with the team. Thomspon, who is now in her third year at Texas, has developed into one of those leading voices for the team and for the up-and-coming players.

“Falling into the upperclassman role and taking on a new position, and just having an encouraging team makes it easier for me to encourage others,” Thompson said. “Lead by example on and off the field, and just be a good teammate first.”

Going from playing seven games in her freshman year with one start to playing the majority of the season her sophomore year, Thomspon has switched up her mindset early in the season to remain focused on her sport and her growth as both a player and a person. 

“It’s made it easier for me to be able to play more freely, be adaptable and play whatever role that I’m given,” she said. “It takes a lot of resilience and just knowing that, at the end of the day, my worth isn’t tied up into my sport and it’s what I do, not who I am which allows me to play more freely and just really give my all into the game.”