From tearing up the field as a high school defender to dedicating her weekends to helping athletes with disabilities discover the joy of soccer, Anna Brumley’s passion for the game runs deep. A proud product of South Central Soccer Academy (SCSA), Anna’s dedication, resilience, and heart have earned her the 2025 Indiana Soccer TOPSoccer Buddy Award—a recognition that celebrates her commitment to inclusion and her lasting impact on the soccer community.
Family and Foundation
Anna credits her tight-knit family—her mom Angie, dad Chuck, and older brother Graham—for being her biggest supporters throughout her journey. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without them,” she says. The Brumleys, along with their two dogs, Doug and Kit, have been by her side through the highs and the challenges of her soccer career.
Soccer Roots and Resilience
Anna’s love for soccer began at age six, playing on an SCSA recreational team. Though she dabbled in other sports, it was soccer that stole her heart. She progressed from recreational play to SCSA’s academy travel teams and eventually joined Alliance at age 14, never straying far from the fields that sparked her love for the game.
Her high school career at Franklin Community High School was marked by both accomplishments and adversity. After earning a starting spot as a freshman and contributing to a winning season, Anna suffered two devastating ACL and meniscus tears—one her sophomore year, and another just minutes into a crucial junior-year sectional match. Through grit and determination, she returned to play her senior season and was recognized as the team’s Top Defensive Player. She also earned ISCA All-Academic honors, was named a Mid-State Scholar Athlete, and received Academic All-State recognition.
Academic Aspirations
This fall, Anna will attend Indiana University Bloomington where she plans to major in biochemistry and minor in exercise science—an academic path that reflects her passion for understanding the human body and her goal of attending medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon.
Her Journey with TOPSoccer
Anna’s involvement with TOPSoccer began in spring 2021 when her travel team was invited to volunteer. “After my first practice with TOPSoccer, I wanted to keep coming back,” she
says. Since then, she has become a fixture at practices, leading sessions and building meaningful connections with the athletes.
“TOPSoccer is a safe space where athletes with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities can come to learn, grow, and most importantly—have fun,” Anna explains. “It’s about more than soccer. It’s about building confidence, making friends, and creating a team environment where everyone feels valued.”
Spreading the Word and Growing the Game
Anna is passionate about raising awareness for TOPSoccer in Indiana. She believes the program’s biggest barrier is lack of visibility. “Many people just don’t know it exists. If more communities knew, we’d have more athletes and more buddies getting involved,” she says. She also envisions cross-club collaboration through occasional scrimmages, giving players a chance to showcase their growth in a game setting.
Why This Award Matters
Winning the TOPSoccer Buddy Award came as a surprise to Anna, who volunteers simply because she loves the experience. “I never expected to be recognized with an award,” she shares. “But I’m incredibly grateful. This honor gives me a chance to spotlight TOPSoccer and encourage more young people to get involved.”
She credits Laura Perry, the SCSA TOPSoccer program coordinator, as an instrumental mentor who empowered her to lead and grow. “Laura has given me the tools to be confident working with the kids and leading a group. And of course, the players themselves keep me coming back every season. They’re what make the experience so meaningful.”
Her Message to Others
To anyone considering becoming a buddy, Anna’s message is simple: “Try it once—I promise you’ll love it.” She emphasizes the joy of watching athletes master a new skill, score a goal, or simply smile as they play. “There’s nothing more rewarding than watching their personalities shine.”
A Message to Indiana Soccer
Anna shares deep appreciation for Indiana Soccer’s support of TOPSoccer and this award. “Thank you for recognizing the value of this program and the athletes who make it so special. Your support helps bring more visibility to TOPSoccer, and I hope it inspires others to get involved. Together, we can continue to grow the game for everyone.”
