The timid freshman goalkeeper that Sean Bratkowsky used to be is long gone.

In his first year at Discovery Canyon, Bratkowsky described himself as shy. Fast forward to his senior year, and Bratkowsky said it was his goal to be one of the loudest people on the pitch in every match.

That enhanced vocal leadership has served him well.

Bratkowsky signed to play soccer at the NCAA Division I level for Santa Clara University on Wednesday.

“I’m really happy to be where I am now,” Bratkowsky said.

The senior said his early timidness came from a lack of confidence. But it didn’t take Bratkowsky long to gain that.

As a sophomore, playing for Pride Soccer Club in the spring of 2022, Bratkowsky was one of only three Colorado high school players selected to play in the Elite Club National League All-Star Game in Arizona.

That’s where his Division I dreams began.

“I realized I was really close to it, so that’s when I realized I wanted it,” Bratkowsky said.

Bratkowsky played in seven games as a senior for Discovery Canyon, splitting minutes in goal with two other keepers.

He held opponents scoreless in his first five matches and finished the year with a .444 goals against average. Bratkowsky finished the year with 49 saves, averaging seven per game. The Thunder finished the season 5-8-2.

Vocality and leadership were paramount as Bratkowsky ended his career at DCC in such strong fashion.

“I like to be a leader and help anybody else that I can,” Bratkowsky said. “I’ve learned a lot under the coaches. I’m really proud of how I’ve progressed so far.”

Discovery Canyon coach Cale Ramhorst said, “He loves to communicate with his teammates, loves to put people in the right positions and isn’t afraid to express himself. The goalkeeper’s the last line of defense, so when he’s yelling at you where to be, when you move and things like that, it gives you so much more confidence.”

Ramhorst also believes that Bratkowsky’s enhanced leadership was a product of long hours, both at DCC and with Pride SC.

“It’s hard to do something you don’t love, day in and day out for hours on end,” Ramhorst said. “Sean just loves the game. Being there, being present and being able to mentally push himself is what’s going to get him there.”

Santa Clara competes in the West Coast Conference. The Broncs finished the 2023 season 7-7-3 and have reached the NCAA Tournament 21 times in program history.

The jump from high school to college is pronounced, especially to a program with Santa Clara’s history. But Bratkowsky feels ready.

In addition to his commitments with DCC and Pride SC, Bratkowsky trains with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC’s professional squad. The Switchbacks play in the USL Championship, the level of United States professional soccer below Major League Soccer.

The thrill and grind of competing against professional athletes have given Bratkowsky confidence ahead of his jump to college soccer.

“I’m really glad that I’ve been able to train with them so far,” Bratkowsky said. “I’m training with some of the top guys not only in the country, but the world. That’s definitely prepared me for D1.”