Brett Levis

Last season Levis was named a Canada West second team all-star after posting four goals on 37 shots as a rookie with the club. Now in his second season with the Dogs, Levis quickly reminded everyone of his offensive prowess in the first game of the season when he scored two goals against the Winnipeg Wesmen.

Levis says his success may have something to do with his pre-game ritual. He always wears a wristband imprinted with the words ‘In loving memory of Leanne Levis.’ Leanne was Levis’ mother. She passed away in 2008 after battling cancer.

“I keep the wristband on and I pray before the game starts. I know she is watching, so I pray to have a good game and it usually works,” the Huskies striker said.

Levis further commemorated his mother with a tattoo of her name and birthdate on his forearm. It reminds him of the impact she had on his life.

He said his mother’s impact on him went further than just raising him. Levis credits his mother for teaching him how to play soccer as well.

“When I was a little boy she was always the one to volunteer as the team coach.”

Levis says he also needs to eat particular food on game days to prepare for his matches.

“Peanut butter, toast and Cheerios. No matter if the game is in the afternoon or evening, that’s my pre-game meal,” he said.

Levis is in his second year in the college of Arts and Science. Prior to university, Levis played soccer on Team Saskatchewan for six years and was also a member of the Canada Games Team in 2009. Despite all his years playing soccer, Levis says his most memorable moment is scoring his first goal as a Huskie.

“Against Alberta last year I scored my first goal and tied the game in the 85th minute. It was a good goal and I was pretty excited.”

While many soccer superstars are seen juggling and maneuvering soccer balls with their feet and head, Levis says the only tricks he cares about are the ones he performs in a game.

“Everybody can do tricks and flicks but I don’t want to work on that,” he said. “It’s almost a different sport when you do that. Soccer on the field is much different than a few little tricks.”

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Photo: Raisa Pezderic/The Sheaf