A Quiet Leader: Brianna Considine

This Captain Leads Quietly

By Robert Mingolelli

Brought to you by the GDRHS Athletic Department

Groton-Dunstable senior soccer and track captain Brianna Considine represents the essence of an individual who quietly sets the tone in a positive way in both class and as an athlete. Her coaches and classroom teachers all describe her as a quiet, intense, dedicated and serious individual.

Cross Country and track coach Colleen Naboicheck’s comments regarding Brianna parallel those of girls’ soccer coach Charles Valacer. “She eschews the boisterous approach but quietly leads by example, has a strong work ethic and is willing to do what is best for the team and classmates,” relates Naboicheck.

“Being captain of the soccer team is such an accomplishment for me because soccer is the sport I have grown up playing,” shared Brianna. “As an underclassman, I would look at the captains before me and see the important role they play. That is why being captain means so much to me.”

Brianna is an outstanding soccer player who was selected to the Mid-Wachusett B League All-Star Team, the Central Mass. All-Star team and named G-D Team MVP.

“She had that special ability to relate to her teammates and coaches,” said coach Valacer. “Having her on the field was like having an extra coach, setting the team’s defense and having the willingness to move to any position to help because of the injuries the team had this season. Off the field, she would schedule events to help with team unity,” recalls Valacer.

Kids Kick (U6) is where Brianna’s love for the game began.  “My dad was my first coach and both of my parents were always very helpful and supportive,” she commented.  “Not over the top crazy but they encouraged me.”

Indoor track is occupying her desire to compete this winter. “My goal is to qualify and make it to States in the 600 meter.”  Brianna is not sure if she will participate in track this spring. “I have been practicing lacrosse on my own and maybe, we’ll see,” she smiled.

When asked how GDRHS prepared her for college she responded, “Every course I have taken has been challenging and I have grown from those classes. Friends who are in college relay that the demanding preparation at G-D has been invaluable to their success at the post high school level.”

Ms. Tamara Allen, G-D chemistry teacher, beams when mentioning Brianna. “She is generally pretty awesome and is one of the hardest working students I have ever encountered, to the point that other students around her feel bad if they're not working. So, she effectively keeps everyone around her on task. Brianna is a passionate learner, who seeks out ways to apply her knowledge outside of the classroom, so she co-founded (and is now co-president of) the school's Chemistry Club.”

Brianna recalls the positive experience she had participating in a Global Youth Summit at Brandeis University this past summer. “During the week-long event, we attended seminars presented by medical and business professionals. The week concluded with a group project on an improvement in 21st century medicine, with my group choosing to study the impact concussions have on sports. The experience helped me solidify my interest in the medical field, especially the pharmaceutical profession.” 

Outside of school and athletics, Brianna volunteers weekly at St. Joseph Hospital in Nashua, NH and for the past two years, with Groton Community dinners.

Her suggestions for incoming freshmen: stay focused, do your homework, get involved with activities both in school and outside of the classroom.

Brianna has been accepted and will attend Northeastern University in the fall. Her parents James and Sharon Considine must be pleased, especially dad, a Huskie alum.