For the last three seasons, Brianna Samuels-McLaughlin has been a staple for the women’s soccer program. She has helped the outdoor and indoor program reach new heights since 2018. Despite her successes, she almost didn’t want to play soccer at all.
“During my first week at George Brown, I had found out about the soccer program. After my ACL injury, I decided I would not play soccer anymore,” she explained. “However, after seeing a poster on the Huskies athletic page, I recognized the coach, and that is the reason why I decided to join the team. Tiger Fitzpatrick was my coach a few years back, and he is the reason why I decided to join the women’s soccer program.”
She made an impact right from the get-go. Samuels-McLaughlin stormed onto the scene in her first season, establishing herself among the OCAA’s elite strikers. She led the team in scoring with four goals and an OCAA Central Division All-Star. The next campaign in 2019, she was at it again, posting a team-high seven goals in just nine games and helping the team qualify for their first crossover playoff match since the program was re-introduced in 2013. The striker was also named an OCAA All-Star for her efforts for the season straight time. The team also made the OCAA Indoor Championship in 2019 and 2020, with Samuels-McLaughlin leading the charge.
“When I joined in 2018, teams have not thought that much about George Brown, but as the years go by, we keep on putting ourselves on the map and showing that we are a team that can compete. This has helped us to not only grow but have more confidence and faith in us being successful,” she explained. “This team is a family, and each year, we push each other harder to reach our overall team goals as well as personal goals. This has been one of the foundations that have helped us grow in the right direction.”
Heading into the crossover playoffs match as the underdogs against the Centennial Colts, the team didn’t back down, coming out with the program’s first crossover playoff victory since they rejoined in 2013 by a score of 2-1 before falling short to the eventual OCAA Championship in Fanshawe College in extra time. Nevertheless, it was a season Samuels-McLaughlin believes will continue to push the program to new heights.
"This past season was one to remember definitely. I would describe it as intoxicating. It ended in a way that nobody expected with all odds against us,” she explained. “Being put in a division with two of the top teams in Ontario and going into crossovers with the stats we had and then going into overtime against Fanshawe proved that we can play and that teams need to take us more seriously. But, overall, it was a good experience to have to help push us harder and set higher goals for next season.”
After the next season was cancelled due to COVID, the women’s team had a few players returning for the 2021 outdoor season. Luckily for the program, Samuels-McLaughlin was one of those players. She saw a position change from being the main striker to become the anchor at central defender. Despite being in one of the toughest divisions across the country with the likes of Seneca and Humber, the team still made the playoffs.
Being a varsity athlete is only part of the meaning of student-athlete. Samuels-McLaughlin enrolled at George Brown College because of the Child and Youth program.
“I chose this program because of my passion and love for children and wanting to help those around me that may need some extra support, comfort and love,” she said.
Balancing school work, athletics, and in some cases, a part-time job is not easy, but she makes sure she makes time for all aspects of life.
“The way I handle academics and everything that comes with athletics are by scheduling mandatory self-care activities throughout the weeks that help me to relax and rejuvenate. This includes taking naps, doing light exercises, spending time with my family & friends,” she stated. “This helps allow me to take my mind off of school and soccer so when I get back, I can put my complete focus and time into studying and practices/games.”
So far, her journey of being Husky is extraordinary. She understands the importance of being there for your teammates and community.
“The meaning of being a Husky is being a team player. Knowing the history of the women’s soccer program, being a team player is probably one of the biggest meanings to the Husky community,” she explained. “A Husky runs in a pack, and they all have to work together to ensure the pack functions to the best of their ability. By being a team player, it helps to make sure the pack runs together as a tight community.”
The one piece of advice Samuels-McLaughlin would give to a future Husky, and George Brown student is to trust yourself.
“The advice I would give is to follow your heart. The best thing you can do is listen to what you need and do what is best for your career,” she said. “Being in control of your education is one of the most important decisions you’ll have, and you should be in complete control of that. Whether it be taking a year off, doing a reduced course load or going away for school.”
