St. James' Brightwell sets milestone with 200th goal

Katie Brightwell becomes just the sixth soccer player to score 200 or more goals in AHSAA on Thursday for St. James. (Contributed)

By TIM GAYLE

Katie Brightwell became only the sixth soccer player in Alabama High School Athletic Association history to crack the 200-goal career mark on Thursday with her sixth goal in a 11-1 rout of Prattville Christian at Carlisle Field.

The St. James’ senior scored eight goals and had an assist in Thursday’s game with the Panthers, but it was her sixth goal -- the 200th of her career -- that became the focal point for teammates and fans.

 “It was not only a special night to watch and celebrate one of our players breaking a major milestone, but for it to be my daughter it had an extra special meaning for me,” said her father, St. James coach Charlie Brightwell. “We are all very proud of her accomplishments and look forward to what is still to come with the team as we go forward this spring."

Brightwell scored 58 goals last season to lead the Trojans into the 1A-3A finals where they lost to Westminster-Oak Mountain. She has 14 this season and needs just 31 more to pass Holy Spirit’s Jordan Richmond, who set the career record in 2016 with 232 goals.

All six of the players who have broken the 200-goal milestone in their careers are girls. The top boys’ soccer player, according to AHSAA records, is Sylacauga’s Cole Grogan, who finished his career at Benjamin Russell and Sylacauga with 171 career goals.   

In addition to Brightwell’s eight goals, freshman Natalie Barton scored two goals, including one on an assist from her seventh-grade sister Elliette. Gracie Russell also scored the first varsity goal of her career to close out the game.

In addition to Elliette Barton’s two assists, the Trojans got three assists from Mary Grace Hixon and one each from Hope McCain, Hailey Vance, Molly Phillips and Sana Shuford. St. James (4-0-1) will take off for spring break, resuming play on March 26 at Opelika at 5 p.m.  

Avery Rogers scored the Panthers’ only goal with an assist from Addison Sutton. PCA (1-5) will resume play on March 26 at home against Trinity

AHSAA CAREER SCORING LEADERS

Jordan Richmond (2012-16), Holy Spirit 232

Tara Katz (2015-19), Montgomery Academy 225

Amy Bayles (2002-05), Mars Hill Bible 213

Catherine Reddick (1997-2000), Briarwood Christian 211

Maya Vankineni (2002-05), Randolph 207

Katie Brightwell (2019-present), St. James 202