Growing up, Bartlett’s Brooke Baumann rarely turned down a chance to sing.
During long family trips, every time a song that she liked came on the car radio, Baumann would break out and accompany the track in her own beautiful, distinctive singing style.
It’s like she was trying out for “The Voice.”
“Music has always been in the background, and I was drawn to it,” she said. “Choir became an option when I was in middle school. My mother said I should just go for it because I am singing all the time.”
The senior defender is mastering a song on the soccer field for the Hawks (4-9-4, 4-2-3), demonstrating resolve, talent and drive along with a willingness to try new things.
Change is a driving force in life. After displaying offensive skills as a forward and midfielder in her first two varsity seasons, Baumann moved to central defender to fortify that crucial position.
“It was all Brooke’s idea,” Bartlett coach Vince Revak said. “She felt she could contribute more as a defender, and that is exactly the type of player Brooke has been.
“She is focused on the success of the team. It’s true we could have used more goals this year, but it’s also true that having her in back has given us a lot of opportunities to win games.”
The 5-foot-10 Baumann, a St. Mary’s recruit, is a force of nature no matter where she plays on the field. She combines ideal size, range and power with a specific physical presence.
“I definitely use my body to shield the ball and get in front of other players,” Baumann said. “My height is great for winning balls out of the air.
“I have super long legs and that makes my strides faster, which I use to my advantage.”
Playing offense for her tends to be more freewheeling and improvisational — making plays on the go. Defense brings out her more disciplined side.
“You have to play with a lot more composure, because you are the final line of defense,” she said. “Any mistakes are automatically goal scoring opportunities for the other team.
“It was a little stressful at the beginning, but I feel like I have figured it out.”
The best part about shifting to the back for Baumann is being closer positionally to her younger sister Breanna, a junior who plays on the outside.
“My sister is my best friend,” Brooke said.
Like her older sister, Breanna is lanky and versatile. The natural chemistry between the two sisters is a crucial reason the Hawks have recorded eight shutouts.
“Brooke always works until the last second and she expects nothing less from her teammates,” Breanna said. “I can definitely see how she has influenced me through our years of playing soccer together.
“One of the best things about playing with her is how we cover for each other. If I get beat on the outside, I know she will have my back. I don’t even have to call for it. It’s just a shared understanding.”
Brooke Baumann still has the necessary offensive attributes. She has scored three goals — all on penalty kicks — for the Hawks, who play Geneva in a Class 3A regional semifinal Wednesday at South Elgin.
Like her musical taste, she’s adventurous and not tied down to just one style or form.
“Playing multiple positions gives me a better understanding of the game,” Baumann said. “I think it really broadens the thought process. I can better direct when I am in the back because by seeing the whole field.
“As a forward, I know what I would do in certain situations, so I could suggest to the underclassmen about what to do and how to guide them. Some people just don’t know.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.