"A complete player." That is how Hays High soccer coach Daniel Kelly described senior Brantlee Staab on Tuesday. Kelly spoke about Staab who had just signed to play soccer at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas.
Kelly wasn't just referring to Staab's statistical leadership. Staab was a leader of the team as well as on the stat sheet. He tied for the team lead in goals (10) and assists (7) for the 10-7-1 Indians. A season where he missed four games due to an injury.
Staab was a captain this past fall but helped lead the team as a freshman and sophomore when the team struggled in the final results.
Kelly mentioned that Staab stepped up to show the rest of the team what it takes to play at a high level and that led to more success in the recent seasons.
As for Staab, he fell in love with the game at a young age. He was the first in his family to take on the sport and enjoyed the fast paced action of the sport and the running aspect.
It's not just a three month season for Staab. Twice a week he travels to Wichita to practice and then plays most weekends in Kansas City. He also takes part in 3v3 and 4v4 events as well.
Staab is a three-time Western Athletic Conference first team selection.
One of the things that Staab is looking forward to from the academic side of things is coaching. He currently coaches in Hays at the youth level. To the young players he says "Hard work and dedication. You can't make it as far as the pros if you don't have hard work and dedication."