Poland D1 signee named Student Athlete of the Week

POLAND, Ohio (WKBN) – Poland High School has had its fair share of student-athletes excel during their time walking the halls but not many like senior Mary Brant .

“I’m just blessed with the programs we’ve had and had a lot of success with all three programs,” Brant said.

Not only will she end up with 12 varsity letters from three sports, but Mary is also a four-year starter in soccer, basketball and softball.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunities that I’ve been given because if coaches wouldn’t have put me in that situation, I wouldn’t have those memories,” Brant said. “Now looking back at it senior year, it’s just crazy how fast it all flew by.”

Excelling in soccer, the two-time captain racked up eight postseason honors, along with 10 different honors so far throughout her basketball career and even five more in softball before her senior season.

“A lot of people look up to me, especially my younger teammates, and I just try to be a great leader for them and really help them get better and better themselves,” Brant said.

But that’s not the only reason the Division-I softball commit is looked up to by so many. Around the school, she is involved in seven different clubs and activities, while completing over 100 community service hours.

“For me, it’s heartwarming because this is basically where I’ve grown up my whole life, and I mean, the whole community has always supported me in everything I’ve done, so I kind of just want to give back to them,” Brant said.

Of course, she strives for the best in the classroom as well. She’s throwing her hat in the ring for the Class of 2024 valedictorian with a perfect 4.0 grade point average.

“That’s my future, I know I’m going to play college sports, but after that, I’m going to have to get a job, stuff like that,” Brant said. “So it’s important to balance both, but if you love it, you’re able to do both.”

After graduation, Brant will continue her softball career at Robert Morris University and hopes to continue to inspire the next generation of Bulldogs.

“Making sure that people know that even though we’re a small community, tight-knit community, that you can go play Division 1, 2 or 3, just at the next level, and not to give up if that’s your dream,” Brant said.

Poland senior Mary Brant is our Student-Athlete of the Week.

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