CRESWELL – How does one put the proper finishing touch on a 33-year coaching legacy?
Well, for Brandi Wittenborn, it’s going out on top.
And that’s what the Creswell boys soccer team started for their coach last Thursday, defeating Central Linn 3-1 at Markley Field to capture the Special District 3 title for the second consecutive year – the perfect sunset on Wittenborn’s coaching legacy. And with the potential of a girls league title, too, it all takes on a historic context.
“Oh, god,” Wittenborn said on Thursday, tears brimming in her eyes. “I just feel like I’ve given my whole heart out here to these teams in the community, and if that’s what I end with, then I bow down to it, and I graciously thank the kids for working so hard and staying focused on a historic season for both teams.”
CRAIG STROBECK / THE CHRONICLE
The boys team entered Markley Field with an undefeated streak in league play, brimming with confidence on Thursday night and looking to give Wittenborn and the seniors the perfect send off.
That was until Central Linn scored in the first four minutes of the game.
Wittenborn explained that the goal was the result of some brief uncertainty regarding a new lineup the team employed.
“I played all of our seniors – I just felt like that was the respectful thing to do,” she said. “And I think maybe that threw them off a little. It was a new dynamic that took a small bit of adjustment. But we had a plan and we stayed calm and focused.”
The Cobras’ goal woke up the Bulldogs. It wasn’t long before leading scorer and senior Matthew Jenkins broke open the game when, after the ball was cleared from Creswell’s box, he dribbled up the Cobras’ side of the field, lined himself up at the square, and scored on a low ball. Nearly two minutes later, he headed in a goal from Brady Pratt’s long throw-in.
The Bulldogs quickly extinguished the Cobras flame with a faster pace of play that saw Matthew Jenkins (No. 99) as the trialblazer who got the Bulldogs on the board. ALL PHOTOS BY CRAIG STROBECK
The Bulldogs had regained command and control, but Wittenborn still emphasized pressure during halftime.
“We just said, ‘OK, we got to take those deep breaths in and take the moments that we have them. We just got to keep working that ball around, taking the shots, and following through.’ We had game plans on counter attacks and following through on throw-ins and corner kicks. We had plenty of opportunities – didn’t capitalize on them all, but in the end, all that matters is we got a W.”
In the second half, senior Cash Flores delivered the final goal of the game when he followed up on a corner kick from Jenkins and sealed the game 3-1.
Cash Flores (No. 14) scores off a corner kick from Jenkins; the Bulldogs celebrate their win with flare after the game. ALL PHOTOS BY CRAIG STROBECK
The Bulldogs, No. 9 with a 11-2 overall record, hope to make a deep state playoff run.
Along with coaching two top-10 Class 3A teams simultaneously, Wittenborn also leads a group of all-state seniors that crackle with power. According to OSAA, the state’s governing body, Jenkins leads all of Oregon with 30 goals. He’s followed by Pratt, who ranks No. 10 in Oregon with 16 goals and also leads the state in assists with 32. Braidyn Morse has added nine assists of his own.
Though the title already is secured, Wittenborn and the boys team won’t be slowing down anytime soon. They also hope to get the girls up to speed soon
CRAIG STROBECK / THE CHRONICLE
“We still have goals,” she said. “We have to take care of Crosshill Christian on Tuesday for the boys – completely win out our league with no holding back. For both of my teams, I always tell them that if we do what we’re supposed to, those league titles will take care of themselves. After league, our focus for both is to get to state. That’s where we’re heading, and then we’ll just keep adjusting for both teams on our way there.”
Wittenborn’s legacy
Wittenborn’s coaching journey began shortly after she graduated Willamette High School and started coaching that same summer at age 17. Drawn to Creswell’s small-town charm and with the support of her sister, she later relocated to Creswell where she was encouraged to coach by Amy Seirzaga.
Little did she know how much of a foundation she would lay for generations to follow.
Wittenborn was one of the original pioneers of Creswell High School’s to uplift the co-ed soccer program in 1996. Following years of advocacy, she then helped establish separate boys and girls varsity teams in 2005 – though at first, those teams competed in a provisional league and weren’t yet eligible for state titles.
She then coached the girls team up until 2015, after her daughter graduated. In 2016, she transitioned strictly to the boys team.
Her dual coaching finale in 2025 is a fitting end to the story she began three decades ago, almost a symbolic call back to her co-ed origins.
Wittenborn has cited her new status as grandmother, desire for vacation, and the demands of high school coaching as reasons for retiring. She said she never intended to be coaching both teams in her final season, but stated she “wanted what was best for the girls and to give them their best opportunity.”
Wittenborn was honored with her husband James, her children, grandchildren, and extended family — people she described as her “coaches posse”; the girls team came out to support Wittenborn after their game againist Pleasant Hill. ALL PHOTOS BY CRAIG STROBECK
“To all the teams and players I have coached, thanks for all the headaches, tears, laughter, love, bus rides, the countless pictures I took of you sleeping or eating, the music, all the ups and downs that every team goes through. What a great ride it has been and you will forever be a part of this soccer family,” Wittenborn said in her farewell speech on Thursday.
Creswell players remembered Wittenborn, or “Auntie Master Brandi” – coined by Wittenborn’s niece Tara long ago – as a coach who inspired growth and built character, and made soccer about heart, a sense of belonging, and effort.
“She always had our backs. She didn’t just coach us, she made this team feel like a family,” Jenkins said.
“Brandi … there’s so much I’m thankful for,” Lukas Garzanelli said in his senior speech on Thursday. “I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve taught me, both on and off the field. Your guidance has made me a better player and a better person.”
Creswell said goodbye to seniors Kayden Roberts (No. 41), Lukas Garzanelli (No. 10), Matthew Jenkins (No. 99), Cash Flores (No. 14), Christian Plummer (No. 22), Ryder Barrett (No. 12), Braidyn Morse (No. 11), Xander Gonzales (No. 17) and Brady Pratt (No. 6). They all expressed gratitude for Wittenborn and her impact on their lives. ALL PHOTOS BY CRAIG STROBECK
Wittenborn’s brand was “old-school.” She’s known for her “hatred of losing” that is rooted in accountability, toughness and unity. Her grit and passion translates to strengthening any team she coaches and raising the bar on and off the field.
Even in her farewell speech, she never stopped emphasizing these vaules to her players.
“I hope you learned that if you want something, you have to work hard to get it because nobody is going to just hand it to you….Sometimes we get knocked down but you are tough and we get back up and deal with it head on,” she said on Thursday. “I hope you learned to own your own actions and take responsibility for them.”
“‘Master Brandi’ fit her so well that after 33 years of coaching, we have all learned to be athletes, sideline parents, and positive community members from our master,” said Kim Kuhnhausen, one of the speakers during Senior Night and previously a CHS faculty member of 34 years. “It is evident that her legacy will continue in this community and everywhere that her ‘master’ graduates roam.”
Wittenborn waves goodbye to the Creswell family amid tears; Wittenborn bundles up with her seniors. ALL PHOTOS BY CRAIG STROBECK
“I love you all,” Wittenborn said. “It has been an incredible ride to have coached in Creswell for all these years. I will sure miss it but it is time for a new adventure. … We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.”
