Congratulations to Millie Brunner, Actualize Sports Athlete of the Year!
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:31
Millie Brunner joined the Actualize family Spring 2019, approximately 6 months after she tore her ACL during a soccer game as a sophomore playing for Cashmere High School. This was the moment Millie’s life took a major turn for the worse, and for the better. Her story isn’t over, and we believe, all things can and will be used and work together for good. But it has been a hell of a fight.
Just 6 months post-op, Millie jumped into training only able to do minimal agility, if any. So, we focused on what we could with functional strength and corrective work—this is the where Millie found out what kind of athlete she is and who she is going to grow to become as a woman. As a result to persevering through the trials, her strength sky-rocketed and her natural gifts shone bright. Check out some of her strength increases in 6 months of training at Actualize:
- Bench – 1 Rep Max: 120 lb to 155 lb
- Back Squat – 1 Rep Max: 225 lb to 260 lb
- Deadlift – 1 Rep Max: 215 lb to 245 lb
Not only did she get exceptionally stronger but it translated into her athleticism and power:
- Broad Jump: 76 in to 79.5 in
- Vertical Jump: 18.7 in to 23 in
Click here to visit Millie’s Actualize Sports Featured Athlete Page to see all her progress!
Needless to say, this girl took an extremely difficult situation and decided to make the most of it. All while maintaining a well-deserved 3.8 GPA!
Millie is the most resilient young woman I have had the pleasure of coaching. She takes initiative, does more than what is expected and completes every hard task with a heart of pure joy.
Millie has made basketball her main priority and sacrifices so much to make her dreams a reality. This year she joined her team in playing in the State Championship! The Cashmere Girls Basketball Team finished 2nd in State, what an incredible season. She will enter her Senior season having learned from some of the highest quality players and will lead next year’s team with honor.
Her coach, Stan Evenhus, attested to this fire. She accepts challenges thrown at her and is eager to accept and excel. In his words, “She is a good teammate, and our staff looks forward to having her at full strength for her senior season. GO DOGS!”
Millie’s support system is exceptional. Her backbone is made of God, her family and friends, not to mention the whole clan of Cashmere Valley. Millie’s spirit is inspiring, resilient and joyful. Because of her strong spirit she impacts others greatly. Her sister, Emma, expressed “Millie, you are God’s biggest accomplishment in my eyes. Yes, I know he created the earth and literally everything in it but he took his time on you… He is running with you and HE WILL SHINE THROUGH YOU IN THIS GAME. The ball is in your court, do what you will with it and may God bless you in the glorious ride we call life. I love you.”
I don’t think Millie expected her years as an athlete to be so trying and rough. But honestly, I think of all people, she handled it with the most gentleness and grace. Many speak on Millie’s drive, today I want to note Millie’s heart. I have been there during many breakdowns and vulnerable moments. It’s in these moments that Millie’s genuineness made its claim. Millie cares. She cares so deeply about her peers, teammates, family and faith, that it truly is the point in her life. She has grown up and learned the hardest of lessons, but has risen because of the people she has surrounded herself with and the faith she has kept tight.
Millie, I am honored to walk with you through a small moment of your big beautiful life. I love the woman you are growing up to be. Cheers to your Senior year and the harvest of a long road. Keep pursuing, stay passionate and know you are loved beyond measure by me, your family, friends, your creator…and Actualize. I am proud of you.
Here’s to you, Millie.
Love, Coach Jenny
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Actualize Sports & Fitness is North Central Washington’s premier performance enhancement training, health and nutrition, and mental achievement coaching center. We exist to educate, encourage and empower Actualize Sports (competitive athletes, teams & coaches) & Actualize Fitness (fitness enthusiasts of all ages & abilities) clients to actualize their unique purpose and potential in athletics, fitness and life.
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