Soccer Senior Standout Marle Bringard Perseveres

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. -- Marle Bringard was determined to have a memorable senior season on the Central Michigan soccer team this year, and there was no better example of this then on Senior Day, Sept. 8, when she broke her nose in a game with IUPUI.

"We both were going up for a header on a goal kick and my nose smashed on the back of her head," Bringard said. "It was tender and swollen. We had to stop play after a while when it started bleeding. We had an x-ray done later and I found out it was broken."

But on Senior Day, Bringard kept playing -- and ended up assisting on the game-winning goal as the Chippewas posted a 2-1 victory.

"I think the adrenaline numbed the pain," she said.

Bringard continues the season with a facemask and even more determination, a determination that started with an offseason of heavy training encouraged by the coaching staff, she said.

"It's been a big change," she said. "Those intense workouts can be uncomfortable at times."

Bringard, who leads CMU in goals (6) and points (14), said the hard work is paying off, as the Chippewas remain a factor in the Mid-American Conference. She said years of hard work and motivation from coaches and family has helped her get into a position to make an impact in the MAC Tournament.

Bringard, a native of Midland, said being close to family is one of the many reasons she decided to come to CMU. Her first name, Marleida, is a combination of her two grandmothers' names: Martha and Alleida.

"Family was a big part of my decision to come here," she said. "My parents never miss a game."

Bringard, a biology major who carries a 3.75 grade point average, has been named to the Academic All-MAC Team in each of the past two seasons after earning a spot on the league's all-freshman squad in 2016. Earlier this season, she earned the prestigious MAC Scholar-Athlete of the Week Award.

She said she wants to continue her education in the medical field after graduation.

But before that, the senior midfielder said she wants to finish the season strong with the Chippewas earning a berth in the MAC Tournament. They will guarantee themselves a spot in the eight-team field – and potentially host a quarterfinal game – if they beat Eastern Michigan in the regular-season finale on Thursday (3 p.m.) at the CMU Soccer/Lacrosse Complex.

"It would be really cool if we could host a quarterfinal of the MAC soccer tournament," she said.

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