Ursuline Standouts Heading to College
By Kelly Morris / Special Contributor
A half-dozen Ursuline athletes — four soccer players and two rowers — were honored for college signings on Wednesday.
Madison Haley, the daughter of former Dallas Cowboys standout and Pro Football Hall of Famer Charles Haley, will play soccer at Stanford. She’s a forward on the Dallas Texans 99/Elite Clubs National League team.
Elli Brunts, Ursuline’s leading goal scorer during the last three seasons, is headed to Saint Louis University. Her sister, Abby, is a sophomore there, and her parents and grandfather are alums.
“I didn’t know I was going to go there because they all went there, but I fell in love with it,” Brunts said. “I have so much fun playing soccer here. I love to bring energy to my team.”
The forward leads the Bears with 14 goals this season. Brunt’s 25th goal of the season last year was the game-winner in Ursuline’s 1-0 victory over Bishop Lynch in the TAPPS Division I state title game.
Lizzy Barna, who will play at Case Western Reserve in Ohio, assisted on Brunt’s game-winning goal.
“This is a dream come true,” said Barna, whose older brother and sister also played soccer in college. “We’re a very close team.”
Trevino, who will play at the University of Texas at El Paso, said it’s a joy to continue her career after battling back from two serious knee injuries while at Ursuline.
“I’ve been playing soccer since I was 4 years old, and I’ve always loved this sport,” said the senior captain and defender. “This is a great accomplishment.”
Meredith and Madeline Wood are doing more than just rowing in their future. The identical twins will start at a Naval Academy Foundation School in Kent, Connecticut, and later join the U.S. Naval Academy’s Class of 2022.
“We didn’t want to go to school together, but we had the same first choice,” Meredith Wood said. “We’ll have fun together for sure.”
The pair said their dad’s best friend was a Navy SEAL. They’ll move to the coxswain position in college.
“I love the service aspect,” Madeline said. “Everyone is so motivated, and I can’t wait to be part of that community. We’re incredibly blessed to attend the Naval Academy.”
Haley has been committed to Stanford since her sophomore year. She took her official visit to the school over the weekend.
“It was so much fun to meet the girls in my recruiting class,” Haley said. “It’s really exciting. I’ve been working a lot with my skills coach on technique. I’ve gotten a lot more comfortable taking free kicks.”
Trevino is eying one more state championship with Brunts and Barna before they graduate this spring.
“Elli pumps us up all the time,” Trevino said. “I’m very proud of my teammates. We’re Ursuline soccer for a reason. Tradition never graduates.”
