Sports

Miller Time: Freshman hoping for chance

After a record-setting career at Totino-Grace High School where he was the go-to guy, true freshman Brandon Miller takes a backseat for the Wisconsin men's soccer team as a reserve.

While at Totino-Grace, Miller accumulated more goals than anyone else in the program's history and led the Eagles to two Minnesota Class 'A' championships. During his senior year, he led the state in scoring, thus earning the title of Minnesota's Class 'A' Mr. Soccer.

But now in college, Miller knows that D-I soccer is a whole different playing field.

"I mean it's an adjustment, that's for sure," Miller said. "I played every minute for my high school games and my club games — it's definitely a change, but I'm still learning. [So] I just like to come in and do what I can [during my opportunities] on the field."

Wisconsin head coach Jeff Rohrman would concur.

"For any freshman going in at the Division I level, you have to understand that it is a step up," Rohrman said. "A lot of times there is going to be a lot of guys, two, three years your senior, that have adjusted and have put a stamp on it and made a name for themselves already, so it's difficult to step in as a freshman and not only earn playing time, but earn quality playing time and contribute the way that he has."

When given the opportunity, Miller has excelled. In his 11 collegiate games, he has recorded 4 points, including his first career goal that came just two matches into the season.

Even though Miller has scored dozens of goals throughout his club and youth soccer playing days, this one was truly special.

"To be honest [that first goal] felt really good," Miller said. "It felt better than any goal up to this point because it's [my first] goal at the D-I level … we were winning at the time 2-0 and there were only a couple minutes left, so it wasn't that big of a deal [regarding the final outcome], but to me, it was great to get over that hump of contributing. It definitely built my confidence to take on people and go at people."

Last spring Miller took his game to Spain with the Olympic Development Program. The experiences gained from that tournament helped Miller hone his skills and prepare for the NCAA-level of soccer.

"The way they play soccer is so much different," Miller said. "I'm used to, coming from Minnesota, we would like to kick it and run onto it and stuff like that. But over in Spain, they're all about the quick play and the combinations and keeping control of the game in order to keep the other team tired and work them more. I think that helped me a lot [in preparation] for college because it gave me a good sense of what college soccer was going to be like."

Not only has Miller had to adjust to a much higher level of soccer, but as a true freshman, he had to adjust to the college experience as well.

"College life is definitely different just because there's so much more going on, especially playing college soccer," Miller said. "There's something going on everyday and it's such a big commitment."

The dual commitment of both school and soccer may become cumbersome, but the ever-ready Miller is up to the challenge and hopes that with the hard work he plans to put in, he'll be regarded as one of the top scorers once again.

"I would love to be a top goal-scorer [at some point]," Miller said. "I'm still learning, but hopefully it will come. I'm going to keep working."

Until that time comes, Miller is content with his role providing a lift off the Wisconsin bench. He knows that he is an invaluable part of the team and that his hustle, athleticism and quickness can make all the difference for Wisconsin's chances in the Big Ten and the NCAA tournament.

"He's a great kid and a great fit, not only soccer-wise, but just as a person," Rohrman said. "There's no question that he fits into our program, and he has been a wonderful addition."