Freshman forward Brigham Larsen finished off the men’s soccer fall 2021 season with a league-high 11 goals and one assist, the most goals in a season by a Winthrop freshman since Daniel Revivo scored 10 in 2005.
On Nov. 8, Larsen was honored in a variety of categories, being recognized as Big South Freshman of the Year, as well as being selected to the Big South All-Conference First–Team and Big South All-Freshman Team.
“It felt really cool receiving an award for putting in hard work over a long period of time, but I also think of it as a team award. I wouldn’t have gotten it without our team chemistry. They give me so much faith and trust playing my first year here,” Larsen said.
Larsen is the first Eagle to be voted Freshman of the Year since Max Hasenstab in 2013, and he also earned Attacking Player of the Week honors three times during this season. Larsen’s accomplishments helped Winthrop’s program earn the most awards in a single season since 2008.
Traveling overseas for college, Larsen is originally from Oslo, Norway, which is where his parents and 17-year-old brother still reside.
“I have a lot of friends in Norway who are older than me who told me how their college experience was for them, so I contacted the college agency to try finding the best college for me combining being an athlete and going to school,” Larsen said.
With some family members in other parts of the United States, Larsen had never visited South Carolina before agreeing to attend Winthrop. Although the area is “much different” than he is used to, Larsen said his first semester in Rock Hill has been good.
“I feel like it took a long time to adjust to life here. I miss my family a lot. I called my mom every day just saying I miss her a lot,” Larsen said.
“It got a lot better when I met all the boys on the team and we started preseason. It [also] helped a lot that we have a lot of internationals here that helped me adjust. They talked about how they adjusted as well, so it gave me a feel of how I can do the same thing as them,” Larsen said.
Luckily, Larsen will have the chance to visit his family for the first time in months during the December winter break.
At the age of five, Larsen’s soccer career began around the school yard.
“I played every position, so I learned different skills and how to understand the game from different aspects. [School] wanted me to play soccer my first two years, and my dad was the most encouraging when it came to trying out all kinds of sports,” Larsen said.
Throughout his youth Larsen dabbled in tennis, swimming, wrestling, and track. It was not until the age of twelve that he dedicated his sports life strictly to soccer.
“[My parents] only watch my stats because when we play games it’s only 2 a.m. in Norway. It’s a little inconvenient for them,” Larsen said.
Nevertheless, Larsen is always sure to keep thoughts of his family close to his heart before he runs out on the field.
“My mom sent me a text once before my first game, just giving me a motivational speech basically, and I copied it into my notes. Right before we warm up I always read that note and try to think of how I can make my mom proud. Her words are very inspiring to me,” Larsen said.
In addition to his mom’s inspirational words, Larsen enjoys listening to R&B music before each game to calm any nerves.
“I had some nerve problems before where I couldn’t calm my mind down, so I try to listen to some good music. I don’t really have nerves at the moment, but we’ll see if playing in front of a big crowd could be a different scenario,” Larsen said.
Hopefully the dream of playing in front of a large crowd comes true, as Larsen’s main goal is to play professionally after college.
“I don’t know where, but right now I’m just focusing on doing the short-term stuff, like getting a good season under my belt and trying to increase that opportunity for a professional deal,” Larsen said.
Larsen is currently majoring in business with a concentration in finance, and is considering the idea of taking up an internship in the United States.
“It depends if I am ready to stay or to see my family on a consistent basis,” Larsen said.
Playing soccer for almost 15 years now, Larsen believes being an athlete has definitely helped him mature into the person he is today.
“Playing sports is always a psychological battle, so you’re going to have to deal with a lot of emotions at one time. I kind of feel like I got control of my emotions a lot quicker than people who don’t play sports.
“I probably also believe in a team effort more than I would have if I didn’t play sports. I am always around my teammates, we always look out for each other,” Larsen said. “There’s no I in team…unless you play an individual sport.”
