An Amazing Journey For Cowgirl Soccer's Breiner

By Grant Noyes, OSU Athletics Communications

As a fifth-year senior and two-year team captain, Mollie Breiner has become a cornerstone of Oklahoma State soccer, anchoring the defense and helping lead the Cowgirls through challenges on and off the field.

Her journey started in nearby Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and has taken her to heights she once could only dream of.

Breiner's path to becoming a Cowgirl wasn't conventional. Growing up in a family where college sports weren't the norm, she navigated the recruitment process largely on her own. Her initial connection to OSU was more about sibling rivalry than anything else.

"My older sister liked OU so I was always like, 'I like OSU,'" Breiner said.

But as she reached out to the school's soccer program, the process wasn't smooth.

"When I first contacted OSU, they didn't answer me," Breiner said. "They said they didn't have money, but then I had a coach from TSC (Tulsa Soccer Club) who was friends with (OSU associate head coach) Justin Elkington and they nudged me in there."

What started as a chance email ended with Breiner landing at her dream school, setting the stage for a standout collegiate career.

"We knew who Mollie was, and she was what we thought, sort of a little bit raw, athletic defender... So for us to get her and for her to play as well and develop as well as she has, it's been really cool to see," said OSU head coach Colin Carmichael.

What Breiner has developed into is a lockdown center back for the Cowgirls who has been a constant presence on the field. She has played in 84 games in her five seasons, including 75 as a starter, and been among the team leaders in minutes played in each of the last four seasons.

With Breiner anchoring the back line, OSU has posted one of the top defensive seasons in program history in 2024, with 14 shutouts in 17 games.

She's also produced offensively, tying a career high with two goals this season; she has six goals and three assists in her career.

And its not just Carmichael and OSU fans who have noticed Breiner's stellar play – on the TopDrawerSoccer.Com Women's Midseason National Top 100 list, which recognizes the best upperclassmen in college soccer, Breiner is ranked No. 27.

Over the years, Breiner has evolved from a young player learning the ropes to a captain leading the charge. Her growth as a leader came gradually, as she spent time understanding the team dynamics and embracing her role within the leadership group.

"I would say I've slowly grown into my position since freshman year," Breiner said. "I learned how captains work, how leadership roles work. It wasn't something that was just handed to me, but over the years, I became more involved, and last year I stepped into the captain role."

Coach Carmichael has watched the transformation with pride.

"It's been amazing, really. She came in as an athletic, tough, hard-nosed kid and has developed into a really good soccer player, one of the best in the conference, and a leader on our team," Carmichael said.

Breiner attributes much of her development to the approach of Carmichael. His philosophy of letting players make their own mistakes has empowered her to grow without fear of failure.

"I like that he lets us make our mistakes," Breiner said. "He'll probably lean me toward, 'Hey, you're making these mistakes, let's do this instead,' but I've never felt degraded."

This freedom to learn from her own errors has been crucial to Breiner's progress as a player and leader.

While juggling academics, soccer, and leadership is demanding enough, Breiner added another layer to her already packed schedule last June: being a newlywed.

Breiner and her husband, Jose Chavez, who she's been with since high school, are learning to balance their new lives together with their personal ambitions.

"It's been great. We've been together for so long that it's not a complete 180. He's in Tulsa right now so it's a little different, but we've managed." Breiner said.

Despite the added responsibility, Breiner finds joy in her busy life.

"You love it. It's not really as much stress when it's something you love," Breiner said.

In her final collegiate season, Breiner continues to lead by example, and her contributions extend beyond statistics, with her presence setting the tone for a young team that is currently 12-2-3 on the season and positioning itself for a postseason run.

"It's been really great to see Molly's growth, not just as a player, but just as a person, a leader within our group," Carmichael said.

Breiner graduated in May 2024 with a degree in applied exercise science and plans to pursue graduate school to become a Physician Assistant, but not before trying her hand at a professional soccer career.

And while Breiner's collegiate career is coming to a close, her impact on OSU soccer will be felt long after she's gone.

Oklahoma State University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Mollie Breiner

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