Braden Smith - 2015 All Region Defender Back for Western

 Another returning sophomore player for Western Wyoming Community College has signed to play for the 2016 -2017 season.  Braden Smith a 2013 graduate from Lehi High in Lehi Utah as back for the Mustangs.

Braden possibly had the best freshman season for any returning WWCC player.  His athletic prowess earned him a 2nd Team All Region IX team award.  His work in the classroom also was not overlooked earning an Academic All Conference award during his first year at Western Wyoming.  As a center back he did not amass a ton of stats but his contributions were tremendous.  His stats for 2015-2016 season were; 1 Shot, 1 Assist, 13 Fouls, 22 Starts and 44 Halves Played.  Braden was one of a few players to start every match and play every half.  Braden might have played more minutes then any other player during our record breaking 2015 regular season, with 12 wins.  Smith was also the only freshman on the 2015 team that was voted as a team captain.

The 2016 spring scrimmage season was very good for Braden.  We mainly played as a center back but was also utilized as a center defensive midfielder from time to time.  Braden was part of the defense that recorded 3 shutouts this spring.  Braden scored 2 goals in one scrimmage when we played at Westminster College in Salt Lake. 

Smith's sophomore year is full of promise for him to continue to be one of the best players on the pitch and a leader for the Mustangs on and off of the field.  More than likely he will be asked again to be a center back for the Mustangs.  However, Braden possesses the skills and physical abilities to play as an outside defender and even into the midfield.  Good luck Braden in 2016-2017 season, we expect a lot out of you!