You could say Lake Washington’s Bri Jackson is a quick study.
After playing soccer most of her life, she made the switch to goalkeeper during her sophomore season for the Kangs. Not only did she start for the varsity team right away, she made the all-league second team in her first season.
“There were no goalies,” Jackson said. “I play softball and basketball too, so we thought I had good hands and could probably do pretty well at goalie.”
The biggest drawback for Jackson in the goal? Not enough action.
“It’s good, but it’s not as exciting back there,” she said. “But when the action does make it there, it’s definitely a lot of fun.”
Jackson is now in her fourth varsity season and as a senior, she’s one of the biggest keys to the Kangs’ success this season.
“The strength of the team is definitely in our defense,” said Lake Washington Coach Suzanne Hart. “Bri is a natural goalkeeper. She’s made some great saves. It all starts there, with our fabulous back line.”
Jackson teamed with other seniors Alix Boyd and Kate Rasmussen to collect three shutouts through Lake Washington’s first six games, and her most important role might be as a leader.
The Kangs lost 14 seniors from last season and welcomed a new head coach, so Jackson has to take on a different role from the past.
“I know what I have to do, the past seniors set good examples for me,” Jackson said. “In the past I would just do my own thing, this year if anyone has a problem they can come to me.”
Jackson and Hart have developed a relationship where each can help the other at critical times.
“I helped introduce her to the team and to old traditions,” Jackson said. “She helps me with new things and what I need to do to play in college.”
Jackson is hoping to walk on at the University of Washington and play goalkeeper next season, though her choice isn’t final yet.
In her final year Jackson is already noticing the difference Hart makes, and she enjoys having more enthusiasm around the program in her last season. She wants the Kangs to make the state tournament, but said since they have a rebuilding team just making the playoffs would be a good reward too.
The Lake Washington defense has allowed a total of just five goals through the first six games, and only one team to score more than once.
