East County Athlete of the Week: Broden Beorlegui

Broden Beorlegui's 30 goals and 11 assists last season led Lakewood Ranch High boys' soccer in both regards. Just four games into 2025-26, the senior forward/midfielder and Georgia Southern commit already has seven goals and three assists to help the Mustangs to a 4-0 record. Beorlegui is the East County Athlete of the Week.

How did you fall in love with the game of soccer?

It started ever since I can remember, really. Right around 2 or 3 years old — not that I can remember that. I started off in (recreational soccer), moved up through it, and I don't think a day has gone by — since I was 5 — that I haven't touched a soccer ball. So I feel like that speaks for itself.

Why did you choose this sport above all others?

I was told growing up that I should be playing football, that I should be playing these big-guy sports. I was always the biggest guy on the team. I've always stood out physically. But with soccer, I always had a knack for scoring, and that always drew me in — being able to score every game. I just fell in love with it in that way.

What has been the highlight of your career so far and why was it so memorable?

It has to be going over to Germany two times, I went on (an assessment period for a club) over there for around a month. Just being able to compete with a Bundesliga First Division team, to be able to do something like that at such a high level, that's obviously memorable. And then last year, when (Lakewood Ranch) won the district title and we went through (regionals). We had a really good group last year. I wish we would have gone further, but I'm looking forward to that this year.

What are your goals entering your senior season with Lakewood Ranch?

Win it all. Obviously, goal-scoring and getting assists and all that — that's purely part of it, and that'll come with the winning. But the main goal is a state championship this year, even regional championship. I've never won regional or state, so that'd be nice to get that this year.

You also play for Florida Premier FC, how do you balance your club and high school commitments?

We just ended our (club) fall season, so we don't have any more games until next spring, at least for the league. 

Why was Georgia Southern the right choice for you as the next step in your soccer career?

They had the most interest in me — by far. I had offers from all sorts of teams and schools. I had an offer from UConn. They have top-of-the-line facilities and all that stuff, but it just didn't really stick out to me as much as Georgia Southern did. Whenever I went in there, I felt extremely welcomed and I felt like I was a top guy on their team. They did extremely well this year.

When you're not playing soccer, how do you spend your free time?

Honestly, in my free time, I do a lot of soccer still. Before practice (Nov. 17), I just wanted to go shoot on the goal. But I play the guitar as well.

What's one quote or bit of wisdom that has always stuck with you?

Everybody's going to have bad games. It's just how much effort you put into those games. Even when I'm not able to score in those big games, or whenever I'm not able to show as much as I think I can, as long as I'm putting 100% effort in, that's enough for me. That came from my dad. Ever since I was young, he said, "As long as you give it 100% effort, I don't care what the score line is and I don't care how many (goals) you score. As long as you tried your absolute best in every minute of that game, it's good for me."

If you could meet any professional athlete, who would it be and why?

Cristiano Ronaldo. I feel like I've already had that chance with Messi, but when I went down to Inter Miami, I got to say "Hi" to him and all that. But I didn't get to talk with him. To do that with Ronaldo would be a dream come true.

If you could go anywhere in the world right now for a dream vacation, where would you go and why?

Either Iceland or one of the National Parks up in Oregon or in Washington. Grand Teton (National Park), Glacier National Park or something like that, to be able to take in sights like that. And Iceland is obviously beautiful no matter where you go.

What is your favorite meal?

My mom doesn't like it, but it has to be pizza. She isn't a fan of any unhealthy food. We balance it out, so we get pizza every once in a while, but healthy food most of the time.

What is your favorite movie?

Good Will Hunting.

What is your go-to pregame music?

People wouldn't call this hype music, it's just getting in the zone, so some Adele. I know it's a bit of unique one, but me and my buddies, whenever we're on the way to a game, we just like to get passionate about something.

Finish this sentence. Broden Beorlegui is...

Dedicated.