The Red Life with Jessie Bruch

By Keith Zimmer
Associate A.D. for External Operations

Persistence is good thing for both Nebraska Head Soccer Coach John Walker and senior team captain Jessie Bruch. 

 

“When I first started receiving recruiting information from Nebraska, I threw it away.  I was being recruited from many schools across the country  and didn't have Nebraska on my radar,” Bruch said. .  “Coach Walker persisted and continued to recruit me.  I filled out a profile and agreed to come to Lincoln for a visit.”

 

And that persistence by Coach Walker led the talented midfielder from St. Louis, who had also competed for the U.S. Under-19 and U-21 National Teams, to give the Huskers a good, long look. The rest is history, as Bruch took only one visit to Lincoln before pledging her commitment to the Husker program. 

 

“The facilities, the tradition, academic support and family values all factored into my selection of Nebraska," Bruch said. “It felt like home, and I never second-guessed my decision." 

 

Now in her fifth year with the soccer program, Bruch has earned the nickname "Grandma" from her teammates, half of whom are at least five years her junior. Bruch has overcome two knee surgeries and a torn anterior cruciate ligament during her time at Nebraska. 

 

“I credit my mom for getting me through the trying times.  She knows my personality and how to keep me motivated through adversity,” Bruch said.  “My setbacks have taught me the importance of leadership and accountability.  I understand the importance of hard work, not giving up and putting forth maximum effort in everything I do.”

 

Ultimately, Bruch began to realize she was “running her own race” and began to focus her energies on achieving goals within her control.  Through adversity, Bruch has learned valuable life lessons. 

 

Bruch's work-ethic was instilled at an early age, as she began playing soccer as a toddler. She also enjoyed playing softball and basketball as a youngster, before committing herself completely to soccer in 8th grade. 

 

“I started playing soccer at age 3," Bruch said. "Give credit to my Grandpa Dominic Barczewski, who had me doing drills in my front yard while my peers were licking popsicles." 

 

Bruch's other passion as a youth included a fascination with horses. She said she began horseriding lessons as a sixth-grader, which helped peak her interest in veterinary medicine. Now an animal science major at Nebraska, Bruch will graduate this December and is considering either a career in pharmaceutical sales or attending veterinary school in the future. 

 

The demands of being a student-athlete have prepared Bruch well for life after college.

 

“I have balanced 18 hours per semester with practice, lifting, injury rehabilitation, running and treatment,” Bruch said.  “Nebraska soccer and all that I have endured have made me a much stronger person with tremendous heart and character.  There is nothing in life that I feel I can't handle.” 

 

In the end, Bruch is quick to credit more than the Nebraska student-athlete experience for her maturation and development. 

 

“My parents, Rebecca and Kevin, and siblings, Stephanie and Kevin have all helped shape me into the person I am today."

 

As her academic and athletic career winds down at Nebraska, Bruch is enjoying her role as a team leader and mentor. 

 

“I am trying to savor every last moment of this great Nebraska experience.  I want to thank Coach John Walker, my current and past teammates and support staff for the opportunity of a lifetime!”