Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Brenda Bresciani

The season has only just begun for Sarasota Christian girls' basketball, but Brenda Bresciani hasn't needed time to heat up. The senior forward was instrumental in the squad's two wins over Southwest Florida Christian, 44-39, and Lakewood Ranch Prep, 59-17, on Nov. 18 and 20, respectively. Standing at 6 feet, she racked up 21 rebounds in the Blazers' opener. She tallied nine steals two days later. Across those outings, the seasoned forward also scored 41 points on a 19-for-41 shooting clip. Bresciani is the Sarasota Athlete of the Week.

When and why did you start playing basketball?

I actually started in middle school. I played all the way through sixth grade, then I skipped seventh because of (the COVID-19 pandemic), and then I picked it back up in eighth grade. I haven't stopped playing ever since. I've just been really athletic my whole life — I love running, I love shooting. Playing here at SCS has made me better.

What do you love most about the sport?

It's all of it. Obviously, playing with all the teammates. Teamwork, I think, and just having the leadership and lifting each other up is really important to me. It's also about showing an example — you don't realize other people are watching us, so how we play on the court affects everyone else. We need to play a good game. We can't be all down our ourselves, but play with authority and play for the Lord, because that's all that matters in the end.

What's been the highlight of your basketball career so far?

That's a tough one. I was the No. 1 rebounder in the state in my sophomore year, so that was pretty cool to be in the newspaper for that. Honestly, I just love the sport.

What are your goals entering your senior season with Sarasota Christian?

More playing time. Last year, I didn't get to play the whole season. I tore something in my (left) ankle. I'm also trying to get better on different positions. I've been doing better on defense — it's my favorite position. And yeah, just better shooting and just grabbing rebounds. We're all trying to work on that.

How did you suffer that injury last season?

Funny story. One day before Christmas break, I was in strength and conditioning. We were playing this balloon game — I'm clumsy, I know that — and I obviously did not look where I was going. I tripped over myself and my ankle just cracked.

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

I like to just run, in general. Cardio is my therapy. I love running on my own, I think it's really helped conditioning. I also just like listening to music. It just gets me in the zone.

What's one quote or piece of advice that has stuck with you over the years?

"Work all you do for the Lord." It's stuck in my mind, because everything we do, we have to work at it for the glory of the Lord. I don't just do that in basketball. It's within every aspect of my life.

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

Stephen Curry. His shooting is just amazing. That would be awesome.

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

Paris.

If you could have any superpower, what would you choose and why?

Teleportation. It would just make life so much easier. You don't have to drive. You can just get there.

What is your favorite meal?

I like a lot of food, but I'm such a bread person. I love anything with pasta, like lasagna. Any type of food like that is my favorite.

What is your favorite kind of music?

Definitely Christian. I love Christian music. And I actually like making my own music sometimes. I sing, play piano and I'm trying to learn guitar a bit.

Finish this sentence. Brenda Bresciani is...

Hard working.