People loved watching him play as much as he loved playing. At age 6 his talent was evident as he shined on a U8 team. In 1990 his family relocated to Brookfield, Wisconsin from Pueblo, Colorado. That was the beginning of what became a storied soccer career for one of Wisconsin’s best male players of all time. Brett joined Brookfield Soccer Association and played on teams like the Sting and Blue J
ays, where he continued to excel on the field. Before long, a friend suggested he participate in the Wisconsin Olympic Development Program. He tried out and was immediately selected to the Wisconsin State Team. It didn’t take long before his State team designation was upgraded to Regional team player. Eventually Brett became a part of the Under 21 US National team. ODP was a huge part of his life from ages12-21. The program took Brett around the world. His parents, Linda and Fran, remember him calling home from Bolivia where the US team was playing in front of 30,000+ fans. Brett’s experience on the Soccer Youth Development teams, local, regional, and national exposed him to professional coaches and training techniques, a diverse athletic array of young soccer players from around the world, discipline, hard work, and various travel opportunities. In his senior year at Brookfield East High School he was selected Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year 2001, as well being selected a Parade All American player 2000/2001, the Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Player of the Year and a National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-American. He received a full soccer scholarship to the University of Washington where he was a standout in the Pac 10 conference. After graduation he signed on to the Seattle Sounders, and was later recruited to the Milwaukee Wave where he competed for a number of years. He represented the United States on the USA Futsal team in the 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Brazil under Coach Tozer. After concluding an active professional career he coached at North Shore United and most recently at the Brookfield Soccer Association, where his soccer career got its start. Brett was passionate about soccer; coaching, interacting with soccer players of all levels, and helping develop the soccer potential in all the players he worked with. Scholarship Fund Purpose:
The Brett Wiesner Scholarship Fund is intended to provide funds to families in order to help their aspiring soccer-athlete children achieve their dreams to play soccer at their highest level of personal achievement. Applications will be reviewed and financial awards will be granted to families who have demonstrated a financial need and whose son/daughter has shown promising athletic ability. Additionally, athletes will have consistently displayed qualities that include teamwork, emotional control, and a readiness to excel and overcome personal difficulties to achieve those goals. Brett did not become a competitive and nationally recognized soccer performer alone. His growth and training with various clubs and the Olympic Development Program from early age on was supported by his parents and the many coaches he played for during his career. This Scholarship Fund in his name will help younger players to understand his leadership skills as a coach, but most importantly his abilities and skills as a player and teammate to others around the world. A competitive nature, unselfish play, support for teammates, and willingness to learn from others are characteristics of Brett’s that award winners will strive to emulate. Brett Wiesner Scholarship Fund Board:
Francis Wiesner, Brett’s Father
Tony Reibel, Longtime Friend and Teammate
Tony Walby, Longtime Friend and Teammate
Ken Ward, Wisconsin Olympic Development Program Director
Melissa Zielinski, WYSA Executive Director
A special thanks to those who have contributed to the Brett Wiesner Scholarship Fund! Francis Wiesner
Brett Wiesner Annual Dart Tournament
Joe Marabella
Matt Kowalske
If you would like to make a contribution to the Brett Wiesner Scholarship Fund, there are two ways to donate:
1. PayPal account for BWSF: Follow this link to a secure PayPal Account: http://goo.gl/5XBGy8
2. Mail a check made out to "WYSA - Brett Wiesner Scholarship Fund" to the following address:
c/o Melissa Zielinski
10427 W Lincoln Ave, Suite 1100
West Allis, WI 53227
*The WYSA is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization. All donations are tax deductible and you will receive a receipt for your records regardless of the donation method. There are two application periods per program year. Deadlines are September 1 and March 1. Applications will be posted soon at www.wiyouthsoccer.com.
2. Please complete and return application to:
Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association
Attn: Brett Wiesner Scholarship Fund
10427 W Lincoln Ave, Suite 1100
West Allis, WI 53227
3. Applications will be reviewed by the BW Scholarship Board in the weeks after the application deadline.
