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Mira Finds Way To Help

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By CLIFF GILL

Tribune correspondent

Published: January 18, 2009

ZEPHYRHILLS - Hockey superstar Wayne Gretzky is quoted as saying, "A good player goes where the puck is. A great player knows where the puck is going to be."

Great athletes have an uncanny ability to anticipate plays and be in position for an easy shot.

Anticipating plays and getting open for easy shots are two skills that have been mastered by Zephyrhills High soccer star Brandi Mira, 18.

"She knows when I'm going to pass the ball to her," said teammate Laurren McLeod. "Once the ball leaves my foot, Brandi arrives at the right time and at the right place in position to score a goal."

And score she does. Mira's 31 goals this season are the third-most in Florida, according to MaxPreps.com. A four-year varsity player, the Bulldog captain has achieved all-conference and all-county recognition for the past two seasons.

Stewart Middle School soccer coach Janie Roman saw Mira early in her development.

"Because of her great speed, Brandi scored hat tricks three goals in two of our games her eighth-grade year," Roman said. "She was petite, but not intimidated by bigger competitors. These qualities contributed to our conference championship."

As a freshman, Mira's 18 goals helped lead her team to the district championship.

"Brandi was very coachable and did everything we asked of her, even to play defense," said Coach Janet Heyman. "She was one of the fastest players I ever coached."

Mira's speed has qualified her to run on the Bulldogs' varsity track team in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, 4x100 relay and the 400-meter events. She also is the captain of the cheerleading team and was one of 100 girls nationwide selected last summer to participate at a cheerleading camp in Hawaii.

"Brandi was held to a higher standard because of her stunting and tumbling abilities," said cheerleading coach Kristen Brady. "Frequently, she would be the flyer I would turn to help pinpoint mistakes or to help create a cohesive unit. Because of her abilities, I tried to motivate and push her and try new things."

Mira is also motivated in the classroom. Her 3.84 grade-point average ranks her 20th in her class of 273. Her course work includes dual enrollment in math, an Advanced Placement class in biology and honors English.

"Brandi is extraordinary because she is able to juggle so much in her life and keep it all in order," said English teacher Heather Zirbel. "She seems to truly enjoy learning new things. When a group project is given, she pushes to get the work done early. She has been working on multiple projects in my class. She has accomplished an iMovie project regarding Hamlet while still working on her senior project that includes a research paper and a mentorship."

Even more amazing is that Mira has had perfect attendance since kindergarten.

"I think Brandi's most impressive achievement is that she has never missed a day of school in her life," said drafting instructor Ken Burgess. "I know that she is proud of it and does everything she can to maintain the record. That dedication translates to the sports field, performing in three sports year-round for four years."

In addition to being a member of the National Honor Society, Mira volunteers in the Interact Club, where she and her classmates are involved in fundraising events to benefit the school. Mira is also involved in Students Against Destructive Decisions.

"I feel strongly against teen drinking and driving," she said. "I sit down and encourage fellow students not to drink and drive. I talk with them about the consequences and to consider alternatives."

During Christmas, she delivers food and clothing to the less fortunate.

"It hurts me to see how many people need help and I see how a little effort can mean so much to others," Mira said. "Seeing their smiles makes me believe I'm doing the right thing."

Mira also makes get-well cards and Christmas cards for residents in nursing homes.

"I talk to them and let them know that someone cares," she said.

Although she is undecided about which college she will attend, Mira plans to pursue a career in medicine.

"I would like to help children and alleviate their suffering," she said.

Teachers, coaches: If you would like to nominate an outstanding student-athlete to be featured in an upcoming In the Community article, contact Cliff Gill at reportercliffgill@yahoo.com or (727) 860-4903.

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