Pacific Index

Brisson helped lead Pacific to two victories in California, scoring her first career goal and earning conference recognition in the process.

   Pacific University women’s soccer senior defender Elizabeth Brisson is beginning her final season with the Boxers by making an impact on both ends of the field.

   Brisson was recently named the Northwest Conference Women’s Soccer Offensive Student-Athlete of the Week for the week of August 31 through September 8 after scoring in both of Pacific’s wins during their California trip. The honor emphasizes a strong start to the final season of Brisson’s collegiate career and highlights the offensive contributions she has brought to a position usually focused on the defensive side of the field.

   “I was incredibly shocked,” said Brisson. “My roommates and I fell to the ground when I got the text from my coach, we were all so excited. Never in my career here would I picture myself as offensive player of the week.”

   The recognition came after a productive and successful trip to California for the Boxers. On September 5, Pacific defeated Caltech 3-1, with Brisson giving Pacific the early lead by scoring in the eighth minute. It was the first goal of her Pacific career. “Scoring my first career goal was awesome. It reminded me of all the hard work I’ve put in over the last few years. Especially being someone who has big dreams, it means a lot to know one of them came true,” says Brisson. The Boxers then went on to dominate possession and chances throughout the match, outshooting Caltech 19-4 and putting nine shots on target.

   Brisson followed that impressive performance by finding the net once again against Whittier on September 7th, helping Pacific continue its strong start to their season. Her two goals across the California trip were enough to earn her the Northwest Conference’s weekly offensive honor.

For Brisson, the recognition shows another milestone in her Pacific career that began in 2023. As a freshman, she immediately became an important part of the Boxers’ back line, starting in all 19 matches and earning All-Northwest Conference honorable mention recognition.

   Now a senior, Brisson has developed into one of the experienced leaders on a Pacific roster looking to advance on their fifth-place Northwest Conference finish from 2025. The Boxers finished last season 3-5-8 in conference play and are now entering 2026 with confidence after demonstrating that they can compete with some of the league’s top teams.

   When asked about her development as an athlete from freshman year to now this is what Brisson had to say. “I’ve grown a lot. Looking back at myself freshman year, I’ve gotten stronger and have become a more resilient athlete. I’ve had to learn how to deal with adversity and overall have become a better person through it all.”

   Although Brisson’s primary position is a defender, her recent offensive production demonstrates another avenue to her game and skillset. Her ability to contribute in the attacking portion of the game can possibly give Pacific another option when pushing forward this season.

   Beyond her individual accomplishments, Brisson is one of several seniors helping lead Pacific through a new season. Her experience in the program gives her perspective that younger players can lean on as the Boxers continue evolving their identity under head coach Kellan McNamara.

   With the season still in its early stages, Brisson has already introduced herself as one of Pacific’s early standout performers. For a senior playing her final season in Forest Grove, the NWC honoree wants to be remembered for both her athletic accomplishments and her character as a person to what looks like a promising beginning to what she hopes will be a memorable final season. “Of course I want to be remembered for my accomplishments, but what matters more is that I’m remembered as someone who was inclusive and a welcoming face. As someone who is always gonna be in your corner.”