By Ryan Agosto, Staff Writer.
Brayden Wilcken is a living example of practicing how you play. LIU’s goalie and redshirt-freshman finance major spends his time proactively working towards his future, setting an example of self-betterment for others.
The youngest of three brothers, Brayden was always challenged by his siblings, Stephen and Connor, to be the best he could.
“My brothers have always been great to me honestly, which is awesome. They’re super supportive in every single way. We’ve always played games together, whether it’s on the Wii or Mario Kart; they’re always super competitive, which is where I think I got my competitive edge from. They helped me grow into the man I am today.”,Wilcken explained.
Beginning as a goalie in kindergarten, Brayden fell in love with the sport and the net, despite the pains that lacrosse balls can bring. He would continue to spend his seasons in the net, regularly playing the position.
With his full seasons in the net beginning in second grade, Brayden kept at it until he made a travel team in the third grade, which introduced him to his goalie trainer that he still works with presently.
Wilcken found a home in front of the net, and made the most of his opportunities. As a senior at Mount Sinai, he saved 71% of the shots he faced and was named Suffolk Count Goalie of the Year in 2023.
After redshirting last season, Wilcken found himself in a competition for starting goalie. Although he didn’t start to open the season, the redshirt freshman took over the duties in the second half of LIU’s early season matchup against Mount St. Mary’s and never looked back. Since being thrust into the starting role, he has been named NEC Rookie of the Week for four consecutive weeks straight.
Though Brayden has had a great many successes on the field, he personally believes that his job isn’t possible without the team that surrounds him.
“ I gotta give a lot of [credit] to the defense in front of me. They’re really good at forcing other teams into taking bad shots that are pretty easy for me to save. They pay well and communicate even better Alongside them, I give it to Coach Troy, our defensive coach. Each week, he comes up with a new scheme and personnel notes. I can’t really complain about the people around me,” he said.
Although he has had plenty of help on the field, Brayden is a self-made athlete. As the only lacrosse player in his family, his path in the sport has been carved by his own hands. However, while he defined himself as an athlete, this doesn’t mean his journey has been without support.
As the only lacrosse player in his family, Brayden’s parents, Jacqueline and Steve, have taken a lot of time and effort to ensure make sure that they’re youngest son gets the support he needs.
When he’s not on the field, however, Brayden can be found out on a run or tuned into his schoolwork. An avid student, Brayden puts his efforts toward a future in finance. He studies with the hope that he can find success in a private equity firm after completing his undergraduate degree, though he’s keeping his options open in case another opportunity presents itself to him.
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