Brenna Silveira runs a route during a recent Coupeville High School football practice. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)
Different year, different side of the ball.
After spending a season as manager of the Coupeville High School football squad, Brenna Silveira plans to suit up and play for the Wolves in 2021.
The CHS sophomore and her teammates have spent the past few days participating in limited workouts, with the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association offering athletes a second out-of-season coaching period.
With the world dealing with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the normal high school football season has been bumped from the fall to next spring.
Whenever she gets the chance to strap on her pads and helmet, Silveira is ready for the challenge.
“I was a football manager last year, alongside Melanie Navarro. Standing on the sidelines watching the boys play was certainly one of the turning points for me,” she said. “As I watched them, it became clear that maybe I’d want to try this out.
“Another part of it was my desire to be bold,” Silveira added. “I wanted to try something new that I’d never tried before.
“It certainly took a lot to decide whether or not I’d play, but I’m so glad I decided to.”
Silveira, who is listed on Coupeville’s roster at receiver and cornerback, is a newcomer to the gridiron, but it’s not her first time as an athlete.
She played volleyball, both for the Coupeville Middle School program and the Whidbey Fury.
“I’d have to say that volleyball is definitely a favorite sport of mine, along with football,” Silveira said.
Joining the football team as a player continues a recent trend of stepping outside her comfort zone, embracing new challenges.
“Last year, I made the decision to join the theatre troupe, and that has become one of my most favorite parts of high school,” Silveira said.
A fan of Irish singer Hozier, she has “a very diverse music taste,” and “loves to sing, draw, and spend time with my friends.
“So far, I’ve loved all my classes,” Silveira added. “And I’m a sucker for a good horror movie.”
There have been only a small number of female football players on Coupeville teams in the past decade — Mary Massengale and Nezi Keiper played the line, the former for the high school team, the latter in middle school.
With that in mind, getting the backing of her teammates and her family provided a huge boost of confidence for Silveira.
“My mom has always been one of my biggest supporters and role models. I strive to be like her one day. She’s a very strong woman,” she said. “My dad and grandparents are also a big part of who I am today, and I’m very thankful for that.
“When I told the team about my decision to play, two longtime players stepped up and offered their support almost instantly,” Silveira added. “Those two players were Brian Casey and Ben Smith. Without them, I’d have been much less inclined to play.
“And I can’t forget Kaimana Wong, my teammate and partner of over a year, along with my coaches.
“Wong was a big inspiration for me to play, and he’s been an amazing supporter. As for my coaches, aside from teasing me, they have also been amazing with their support.”
Silveira is already discovering new facets to her game, something she embraces as she puts in the work to fine-tune her developing skillset.
“I learned from one of our recent practices that I can catch decently if I’m parallel to the quarterback, which is certainly a plus,” she said.
“I feel I should work on being able to get to the ball quicker, regardless of where it may be,” Silveira added. “I’ve got small hands, which can make catching the ball difficult.
“Coach Casey and Coach Callwood have been a big help when it comes to teaching me new tips as to how to be a better receiver.”
Everyone has a different reaction to the speed and intensity of football once they take the field, and, for Silveira, it’s been nothing but a joy.
“Honestly, the adrenaline rush is what gets me the most. I love the feeling,” she said. “Seeing the ball move, and then suddenly come hurtling at me, is kind of a wakeup call, you know?
“That’s what sets me off, and I think that’s a good feeling to have as a receiver.”
Whenever the Wolves play their first game, Silveira will be primed for the experience.
“My goal for this season is to have fun, take home a few dubs, and hopefully not get trampled by the other team,” she said with a laugh. “I’ll certainly be working on improving my hand-eye coordination, along with my speed.”
While she didn’t necessarily set out to be a trailblazer, Silveira is aware she could become a role model for other young women in Coupeville.
For those who might want to join her in the coming seasons, she has some sage advice.
“Well, based on what I’ve seen as a player and a manager, this is not an easy sport,” Silveira said. “You’re gonna get cuts and bruises. You’re gonna end up tripping and falling. You’re gonna get tackled.
“However, the strong sense of family and the feeling of a well-deserved victory is worth it in the end.”
Preparation is key.
“It’s especially hard as a female, since this is traditionally a “boys” sport,” Silveira said. “My advice is to educate yourself on this subject before making that decision to join.
“Make sure you can take a beating or two, both physically and mentally. You’re gonna want a good mindset when you get on that field.
“Think to yourself, “Alright, I can do this. Let’s get this win,” and unleash the beast inside.
“Make sure your heart is in the sport, not just your mind.”
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