Fr. Kevin Brooksbank Memorial Award

The Fr. Kevin Brooksbank Memorial Award will be given to the IHM soccer athlete who exhibits the following criteria: an exceptional work ethic on the field; an outstanding attitude toward his/her teammates, showing more support for the team during times when he/she is not playing; a determined overall effort to play to the best of his/her abilities while maintaining a light-hearted spirit; and competes fiercely but fairly, exhibiting qualities of good sportsmanship.

Fr. Kevin's soccer career began at the early age of 6. He first participated in CYO recreation leagues as a first-grader for St. Thomas Moore Parish in Baltimore. Following a family move to Cockeysville, Fr. Kevin played for St. Joseph's Parish and Cockeysville-Springlake Recreation Council travel teams. He built upon his recreation career by later earning spots on Dulaney High School rosters between 1986 - 1990. During his freshman year at the Timonium, MD school he played on the JV squad, primarily as a forward. During grades 10 through 12, Fr. Kevin made significant contributions as a forward/midfielder while earning three Varsity letters. In his senior year he was recognized as an All-County performer and was named by his coach as the team's Unsung Player.

Fr. Kevin extended his playing career in college, playing at Frostburg State University in Frostburg, MD from 1990 through 1994. His first year at Frostburg provided him with limited game experience; a situation with which he was mostly unfamiliar. It was during this time that the lessons of teamwork and humility were reinforced. His career flourished as the years progressed and his position was changed to that of a defender. In the last three years of his Bobcat career he became highly recognized for his on-field skill as well as his intangible contributions. He was a many-time recipient of Player of the Week honors - a program sponsored by a local hotel. Furthermore, Fr. Kevin received significant team awards; being named MVP in his junior year and bestowed with the Gilbert Gray Memorial award for sportsmanship twice, as both a junior and again in his senior year. As an ultimate reflection of the opinion of his coach and teammates, he was named co-captain as a senior.

Fr. Kevin was also well known in the club soccer scene around the area. He could often be seen at various indoor facilities and outdoor fields during the off-season and later as a post-collegiate player, including while he was enrolled at St. Mary's Seminary. This lasted until the time when a knee injury ended his playing days. With Fr. Kevin serving as a integral component of every team, they would frequently garner league, cup and tournament titles; most notably in the Baltimore Beltway Soccer League, the Mid-Maryland Soccer League, and the Maryland Major Soccer League. His club affiliations include FTQ, Team IOU, Red Star F.C., Nacho Mama's S.C., and Brookland United.

Fr. Kevin's most outstanding physical talent was speed, and he was a tenacious, nearly unbeatable one-on-one defender. He also possessed a good knowledge for game tactics, borne from his intelligence and hard work. He held an equal appreciation and dedication to improving in both the physical and mental aspects of the game. He was a tireless worker and a selfless teammate who relished the opportunity to be given a tough assignment, and to sacrifice personal achievement to accomplish team objectives. He was also well-known as a player who enjoyed playing. Simply stated, he had fun.

His athletic endeavors served him well in his priestly duties. He was able to apply the traits of leadership, self-sacrifice, humility, good communication, a strong work ethic and love of life to his ministry. The aspect of his playing for which he was most grateful was the opportunity to establish on and off-field relationships with coaches and teammates. In particular, he relished the time when he played on the same team with his two brothers. Beyond that, he maintained strong ties with many of his mates, spanning his time as a recreation player through his post-collegiate career. A significant number of these were his strongest and most enduring bonds. Again, here is a natural corollary to his ministry. He was most appreciative for those strong relationships he developed while at the seminary, while working with his fellow priests, and while working with parishioners in the course of parish life. Undoubtedly, his wish for future recipients of The Father Kevin Brooksbank Memorial Award would be for them to enjoy being with and working with their teammates as much as he did.