A-K Valley Senior Spotlight: Plum’s Brady French

By: Ted Sarneso
Monday, October 16, 2023 | 11:44 AM

Plum boys soccer coach Raf Kolankowski doesn’t subscribe to the notion the coach should select the captain of his teams.

“I usually let the players pick the captains,” he said. “After tryouts, I usually have them make those decisions. The kids know who the leaders are.”

This year, his players selected Brady French.

“I took the initiative to step up and fill the shoes of last year’s seniors,” French said. “It feels nice to know my teammates felt I did a good job filling that role and selected me as captain.”

Kolankowski agreed with his players’ choice.

“His outgoing nature and leadership qualities have improved over where they had been in the past,” the coach said. “He seems to be putting in more of an all-around effort.”

On the pitch, French has one of the bigger body frames on the team and, as the team’s center forward, uses his physicality to facilitate the ball to his teammates.

“My style of play is to always work off of my teammates, always look to pass,” he said. “I use my physicality to hold the ball, protect it from defenders and allow my teammates to move up the field.”

Added Kolankowski: “Because he’s a bigger kid and because of his style of play, he helps us out tremendously up front. This year we’re winning games through a team effort. He’s been a big part of it.”

French and his teammates have Plum (15-1, 12-0) at the top of Section 4-3A. He took a few minutes for a Senior Spotlight Q-and-A session.

What did you and the team learn from last year’s Class 3A semifinal loss to Ambridge?

The first five minutes after a goal are crucial. We had scored, and, 30 seconds later, they scored to send the game into overtime. We learned to become more aware of situations and to be mentally strong.

What’s it going to take for the team to at least get back to the semis, or beyond, this year?

It’s going to take a full team effort. Last year we had a lot of players that could do a lot on their own, and this year we’ve learned to play as one unit.

What were you looking to improve upon coming into this year?

The atmosphere of the team. I wanted to make sure the team was supportive of each other.

When did you begin playing soccer?

I started playing when I was 5 years old.

What would you say is your greatest strength?

My physicality. Using my strength to push people off the ball and move the ball to our faster players.

What hobbies do you enjoy outside of soccer?

I snowboard in the winter, so me and my friends are always up at Seven Springs and Hidden Valley. I’m also a part of the boys volleyball team in the spring.

What are your college plans?

I haven’t made a decision yet. My top three schools are Pitt-Johnstown, Penn State New Kensington and Saint Vincent College.

Do you plan on playing soccer in college?

Not sure if I want to play soccer yet. I’ve been in contact with the coaches of my top three schools. I’m also applying to colleges where I wouldn’t necessarily be playing soccer. It’s all still up in the air.

What are you looking to study in college?

I would love to study mechanical engineering.

What is one fact about you that would surprise people?

I enjoy music a lot. I enjoy going to concerts, and I have a couple record players at my house. I listen to alternative and rap. Travis Scott and Childish Gambino are two of my favorite artists.

What advice would you want to leave your teammates before graduating?

It may be a little cliché, but soak in all the time while you’re still out there. Time really flies by, so enjoy yourselves.

Tags: Plum