Brielle Soltys’ journey to lacrosse greatness started with a tumble.
Before there were goals, assists and draw controls, there were handstands, flips and back somersaults. The Holy Spirit High School senior spent several years as a gymnast before ever picking up a lacrosse stick.
“I did gymnastics for 12 years, and I was also into competitive cheer,” Soltys said. “Probably before I could even walk. I went with my mom to Bright Stars [Academy in Egg Harbor], and we started off there. I could do fulls [twists] and standing back tucks. If I was standing here, I could do a whole flip in the air. It was actually pretty cool. I wish I could still do it, but I’d probably break something.”
Instead of breaking bones, Soltys is now breaking school records on the lacrosse field. In addition to being Holy Spirit’s top goal-scorer this season, she’s also one of the best draw control specialists in the state. She set the new single season draw control record (148) during her sophomore year, and she’s the all-time school leader in that category with more than 400 on her resume. On April 17, she won 18 draws to break the Spartans’ single game record. All three records were previously held by 2023 grad Leah Corkhill.
“She knew it was a record that she didn’t have, but you never know how many draws you’re going to get in a game,” said Holy Spirit coach Kylie Primeau. “She has a tendency to hit the double-digits quite often. But once she got to 14, I was like, ‘OK this is getting close.’
Draw controls are catalysts for possession and eventually goals in lacrosse. It’s a stat that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
“Possession is key. Possession is everything in women’s lacrosse,” said Primeau, who was a standout player at Bishop Eustace Preparatory School before excelling at Villanova University. “I think it’s an incredible milestone and a true testament to the competitor she is as a player and all the work that she’s put in.”
Practicing draws in lacrosse isn’t something you can do on your own. It takes two to tango, and Soltys had plenty of help along the way.
“It’s hard to work on it by yourself, but the older girls taught me, and I started working on it with my teammates. It really helped a lot. My dad always helps me out, too. He enjoys it.”
Soltys recorded 15 draw controls in a game against Clearview on March 31. She knew she was getting close to that elusive single-game record.
“A few games ago, I [asked] coach Kylie what was the record for draw controls in a game. She told me I was two away,” Soltys said. “That made me really determined to get it.”
Soltys is now determined to get the Spartans back to the state championship for the fourth straight year. Holy Spirit has fought through the injury bug this season with several key contributors missing significant time. Despite the obstacles, the Spartans were 6-3 through their first nine games. Soltys has been enjoying every minute.
“It’s been amazing,” Soltys said. “Everyone is there for each other on this team. I’m really sad to be graduating, but I’m excited to see what they do next year – and all the years after that.”
Soltys will have played a hand in future Spartans’ success.
“She’s a great example of what leadership is by her actions,” Primeau said. “Whether it’s practice, or whether it’s a game, she always pushes, and she always gives 110 percent; the other girls see that. It’s going to be great for our program for her to leave that legacy behind.”
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