Kicking into College

Rhoan Bruneau is a senior at Conifer High School who has recently committed to soccer at Willamette University in Oregon. Rhoan has attended Conifer High School and played soccer with Conifer all four years. Rhoan also participated in club soccer, and before his high school career he had a long soccer history. 

“I’m proud of him, he’s doing big things,” Lola Bruneau, Rhoan’s younger sister, said. Lola is a sophomore at Conifer high school, and has been an active supporter in Rhoan’s life throughout his soccer career.

“I’ve played as long as I can remember, ever since I was probably four or five years old,” Rhoan said. Starting when he could first walk participating in youth leagues, he later on joined a club league when he was eight and has participated in club leagues ever since.

“I’ve always been around soccer, it’s just a part of my life,” Rhoan said.

Although it sounds simpler than it was, Rhoan’s commitment to soccer has been a long and strenuous process. He sent countless emails to coaches and camps to get his name out there. Getting noticed was not an easy job, and took lots of effort and work from Rhoan and his support system to accomplish.  

“It’s been something I’ve worked on all through high school, a bunch of highlight videos and emailing a bunch of coaches. Now that I’m committed, it’s a big weight off my shoulders,” Rhoan said after narrowing down his school of choice, yet soccer wasn’t the only determining factor in choosing a college. 

“Academics come first, soccer comes second,” Yvonne Cristovici (Rhoan’s Mom) said. Rhoan spent a lot of time finding schools, specifically looking for one with a good soccer team and a good pre-med program. After that two-year process, Rhoan narrowed down his choices and began searching for scholarship help. After getting several different offers from good schools, his top pick was Willamette because of their great soccer team and great coach, in addition to their good academics. 

“It seemed like a good fit for him, a good choice for school,” Cristovici said. Rhoan had gone out to Oregon to meet the coach and attend the camps at Willamette, and had an interview with Rhoan’s coach here at Conifer. Rhoan also went to Oregon to stay with the team to ensure he was a good fit for the community. 

“After a lot of conversation and advocating, he accepted the offer to go play,” Cristovici said. Now that the decision is made, the reality of balancing academics with athletics is setting in. “It will change the way I do my school work on a day-to-day basis since I will be a college athlete now, balancing soccer and school will be a little complicated,” Rhoan said. Despite the challenges ahead, Rhoan is confident that the transition won’t be as difficult as it may seem.

“I feel like I’m already pretty independent, so being in Oregon won’t affect much,” Rhoan said. Rhoan has been playing soccer as long as he can remember and has made a lot of memories within the sport. He remembers a lot of significant moments from both recent and past years, and still can recall certain goals he scored. “We were in the semifinals for playoffs, and we had gone into penalties, and I scored the game-winning point,” Rhoan said. While this was a significant achievement, Rhoan humbly attributes much of his success to his team, highlighting his dedication and sportsmanship. “It made me very, very happy, but mainly because I’m benefiting my team and not just myself,” Rhoan said, “I remember when Rhoan was a kid and was in the youth leagues with a bunch of other kids. It was just such a good space where everyone was having fun,” Cristovici said. Rhoan brought what he learned early on in soccer into his soccer career today making sure to continue to have fun while the sports get more competitive. “Before every game I usually listen to music and joke around with friends and just have fun,” Rhoan said. 

Over the years, Rhoan has been surrounded by many individuals who have supported and encouraged him to reach his collegiate goals. “My mom, my dad, and my grandpa are key players in my success,” Rhoan said. Whether it was driving Rhoan to practice, watching his countless games, working with a college counselor, or helping with email videos, his mom has been there for Rhoan through all of the challenges of his soccer career. “He’s had ups and downs with coaches and games but you know I’ve been his biggest cheerleader through all of it, I just wanted to see him succeed,” Cristovici said. Not only was Cristovici a major supporter, but many others also played a significant role in Rhoan’s career. “My friends have given me a lot of knowledge, and have always been there to support me,” Rhoan said. 

To Rhoan, soccer has been a big part of his life and has shaped him into the person he is today. Working with him and being a part of a team effort and a soccer community throughout his life.

“It’s changed my life, I wouldn’t be where I am without it,” Rhoan said. “I love being with my team and being a part of a group that’s bigger than myself,” he said.