New school, new team, new friends and a new beginning.

That’s this week in a nutshell for Bri Hammond. The former Leavitt standout soccer player has embarked on the next phase of her life and soccer career. She arrived at the University of Maine on Tuesday to begin summer classwork and soccer workouts.

“It hasn’t really hit me yet,” said Hammond, who was relaxing with her new teammates Wednesday evening after her first full day on campus. “It’s kind of unreal. I’ve always dreamt of being a college soccer player, especially at the Division I level. It’s amazing that I’ve been able to get to this point. I’m so thankful for my parents and everyone that have helped me. It’s pretty unbelievable.”

Hammond produced her best season as a Hornet last year. She was an All-Western Maine and All-State selection and was named the Sun Journal Girls’ Soccer Player of the Year. She was an all-KVAC pick, as well, and was the KVAC Class B Player of the Year. She led the Hornets to an 11-2-1 record. Leavitt advanced to the regional semifinals for the first time.

All that came after Hammond had to work her way back from a knee injury her sophomore year. She missed most of that season but spent much of her junior year getting her game back.

Now Hammond feels stronger and faster than ever and is excited about the opportunity ahead with the Black Bears.

“I just took off my knee brace,” said Hammond, who played with the brace the last two seasons. “That makes me a lot quicker. It hasn’t really been any problem. I probably could say I play better without my brace.”

She’s stayed active in the game and tried to fine-tune her skills for the challenge she faces at the Division I level.

“I’ve been able to practice without my brace for a few weeks,” she said. “I’ve been able to take my touches and play faster and play different positions.”

She just finished playing for a competitive club team that helped keep her sharp. She joins a Black Bear team that had just three seniors last year and went 9-9. Hammond is one of three all-state players joining Maine this season. Waterville’s Jordan Pellerin and Greenville’s Gretel Breton also bring a proven scoring touch to an Orono team on the rise.

“I think I’m pretty prepared,” said Hammond, who will be in the nursing program. “I’ve talked with a lot of girls that have been up here. I’ve done all of the training that they wanted us to do this summer. So I think I’m ready, but I know there’s room for improvement.”

Hammond is hoping to earn some scholarship money for her efforts. She’s not sure how much aid she could get but is hoping her hard work will pay off.

“As long as I work with the team and show determination and hard work, they say I have a chance,” she said. That’s all I can ask for.”

Hammond is doing some summer classwork as well as the soccer workouts. The players are doing conditioning a couple times per week and also have regular scrimmages. The summer workouts run for four weeks before the preseason starts in August.

It’s been a whirlwind start this week. There have been pre-workout tests and examinations. She’s had to get settled with her new roommates and get acclimated to new surroundings. Since she has met many of the players over the years, she says she feels comfortable with all the changes.

“I’m really excited,” Hammond said. “I’ve been playing with a club soccer team, and I just finished that a couple days ago. Then I reported up here. I’ve been playing quite a bit. So my touch hasn’t been lost.”

kmills@sunjournal.com

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