After a season marked by growth, challenges, and unexpected triumphs, BR.ICE is heading into the new competitive year with a renewed focus and a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed. From early setbacks to late-season momentum, the team has emerged more unified and strategic, determined to turn past experiences into future victories.
BR.ICE, known for its tenacity and commitment to developing homegrown talent, ended last season on a strong note. Despite a rocky start, the group rallied behind a shared mission and began to find its rhythm in the second half. According to head coach Leila Tran, the turning point came not from a tactical change, but from an internal shift in mindset.
“Last season tested us in ways we hadn’t anticipated,” Tran says. “We had to deal with injuries, lineup changes, and a steep learning curve for some of our younger players. But through all of that, the team matured. They started communicating more, holding each other accountable, and trusting the system.”
The team’s performance in the final third of the season reflected that transformation. BR.ICE won five of its last seven games, including two against higher-ranked opponents. The late surge wasn’t enough to earn a playoff berth, but it proved that the squad was capable of competing with the best. More importantly, it set the tone for the offseason.
This past winter, BR.ICE focused heavily on off-the-field development. Players participated in leadership training, mental resilience workshops, and video review sessions designed to improve decision-making under pressure. The coaching staff emphasized growth mindset principles, urging athletes to see every mistake as an opportunity to improve rather than a failure.
“We learned that how you respond is more important than what happens,” says veteran midfielder Kelsey Moore. “There were games where we could have folded, but we didn’t. We dug deep and kept going, and now we know how to do that as a team.”
The offseason also brought a few key roster changes. BR.ICE added two promising rookies—winger Jordan Blake and defender Sasha Ortiz—whose high-energy play styles have already made an impression in early training sessions. Both bring not just raw athleticism but also a hunger to learn, which fits perfectly with the team’s culture.
“Everyone’s excited about the new season, but we’re also staying grounded,” Ortiz says. “The veterans have been amazing at helping us adjust, and there’s a real sense that this year, we’re building something lasting.”
Returning players have also taken noticeable strides. Forward Eli Ramsey, who led the team in scoring last season, has worked on expanding his passing game to become more of a dual threat. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Tara Lin has become more vocal in organizing the defense, a role she initially hesitated to embrace.
“Tara’s evolution has been one of the most inspiring stories,” Coach Tran says. “She’s grown into a true leader back there, and the team trusts her completely.”
As the new season kicks off, BR.ICE faces an early slate of tough matchups. Their first three games are against teams that finished in the top five last year, a challenge the group welcomes.
“In the past, we might have been intimidated by that schedule,” Moore admits. “But now we see it as a chance to measure ourselves. We want to be tested early so we know where we stand.”
Fans have taken notice of the team’s evolution as well. Season ticket sales are up, and social media engagement has spiked in recent months. BR.ICE has hosted several community events to connect with supporters and build a stronger local presence, part of a broader initiative to strengthen team identity.
Ultimately, the goal is to make a deep playoff run—but the players and staff are careful not to get ahead of themselves. As Tran puts it, “Success for us isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s about growth, consistency, and staying true to who we are. The wins will come if we focus on the right things.”
If BR.ICE can continue to channel the lessons learned from last season—resilience, adaptability, and teamwork—they may just find themselves not only in the playoffs, but as legitimate contenders. The new season promises plenty of challenges, but for BR.ICE, every challenge is just another chance to prove how far they’ve come.
