Flathead’s Gislason managing academics and athletics in busy fall

Meet one of the busiest students at Flathead High School.

Senior Kyrie Gislason showcases her talents on the Bravettes golf and soccer teams. 

Playing both in the same season creates challenges for golf coach Roy Antley and soccer coach Zach Brenneman, but both are easily accommodating to Gislason’s packed schedule. 

“We will really welcome any kid that wants to play two sports if we can make it work logistically,” Antley said. “Soccer is doable, I think doing a team sport like soccer with a sport that is more individual participation like golf ... it's a good fit. 

“Kyrie has done a great job at being a positive contributor to both soccer and golf.” 

“We have done it a few times with some other athletes,” Brenneman said. “Sometimes it worked great and sometimes it hasn’t worked depending on the situation at practice. This year it has gone much better. You just have to be a bit flexible.” 

Gislason balances her schedule by getting a lot of golf practice in on her own and not always during the teams’ scheduled practices. 

“I think it’s really important that golf is an individual sport,” Gislason said. “You don’t need the whole team (to play). ... With golf I can work by myself, individually, and I know what I need to work on.” 

The busy schedule doesn’t stop with just athletics and classwork for Gislason, she is also a member of Flathead’s Student Council, DECA and an executive for Brave Mentoring. 

“I am pretty involved in the school,” Gislason said. “I miss a lot of school usually.” 

Outside of the fall Gislason stays busy; a year ago she played basketball and tennis while also being a skier. She has also tried track and rugby in previous years. 

“I try it all,” Gislason said. 

Gislason started with the soccer program as a freshman, playing all four years of her high school career. 

“She has been great,” Brenneman said. “This year she has really stepped into leadership; she is one of the captains for us. It's cool to see a player that can do both sports and be a captain of a team and still compete at an individual sport.” 

Golf came calling in Gislason’s junior year. 

“Her dad is a strong proponent of the golf program and has encouraged her to play golf,” Antley said. “Once we heard she was interested we reached out to her and encouraged her to come out for golf.” 

Gislason just finished her high school golf career on Friday at Northern Pines with her second straight appearance in the state tournament. She finished with a 205 score over the two days. 

Gislason has also influenced a teammate on the golf team to crossover into soccer as well: Hayden Ward. 

Ward, a sophomore, is listed as a goalie for the Bravettes soccer team while continuing to play on the golf team. Brenneman noted that due to an injury, Ward is playing more outfield positions for the Bravettes junior varsity team. 

“We graduated our goalie from last season and her older brother is a goalie, so I said, ‘you should try it out,’” Gislason said.  

As for which is Gislason’s favorite to play? The decision is tough. 

“I like the atmosphere around soccer,” Gislason said. “But I’d have to lean a bit towards golf, because that is a sport that I can carry on for the rest of my life. It’s good to play with my family and connect with them that way.” 

With golf now wrapped up Gislason and the Bravettes soccer team turn towards their second crosstown soccer match in a 12-day span. Gislason looks forward to the match-up and says there is a lot more intensity heading into this match 

“It’s always a little nerve-wracking but I am really excited,” Gislason said. “It's always my favorite game of the season.” 

Flathead and Glacier square off Tuesday evening at Legends Stadium, the boys game starts at 6 p.m. and the girls follow at 8 p.m. 

    Flathead's Kyrie Gislason (16) shoots in the second half against Missoula Big Sky at Kidsports on Tuesday, Sept. 12. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)