On October 13, surrounded by teammates, friends, and coaches, senior Aubrie Pulaski signed to Montreat College to become a part of their women’s soccer program. Among the crowd were a number of familiar faces, and a few welcome surprises, including former women’s soccer coach Corbin Kopektzy, who made the drive down from Virginia to support his player’s accomplishment.
Picking a college is hard enough when focusing on academics and student life, but when adding to the equation the environment of the soccer team, it becomes an almost impossible task. Pulaski found her future home and fell in love with it for many reasons. While Pulaski recognizes that Montreat has a small faith-based community and a stunning campus, it was ultimately their soccer program that led her to make the jump to commit.
“Their soccer program is competitive, and the team culture is great and supportive,” Pulaski said. “Right away, the coaches made me feel valued as a person, not just as a player.”
Montreat isn’t the only soccer program affected by this choice. With Pulaski’s graduation, Davie High’s program is losing an integral part of its team. Pulaski has been a varsity goalie since her freshman year. In that time, she has garnered a number of accomplishments, including earning all-conference and even playing through a broken nose.
Her leadership also shows through her mentorship of younger goalies, teaching them the game. Her teammates have also reaped the benefits of her leadership. Fellow senior Lanna Robinson, who has also been on varsity since freshman year, has watched Pulaski grow not just as a player but as a leader.
“I’m so happy to have her in the back of the net for Davie,” Robinson said. “I am proud of the leadership she’s taken on with helping train and teach the other goalkeepers. She truly wants the best for Davie soccer and has worked hard the last four years.”
Collin Ferebee, the new head coach for women’s soccer, has been on the sideline watching her for several years. Over the years, Ferebee has observed her improvement as a leader, a player, and in her self-confidence.
“AuBrie has definitely grown the most with her confidence,” Ferebee said. “She’s always had the ability (and while these have grown too), but her confidence has skyrocketed since her Freshman year.”
Pulaski’s signing was filled with joy and an atmosphere of support. Teammates, while not ready to let go of their trusted goalkeeper, are eagerly anticipating what she will accomplish at Montreat College.
