A versatile and battle-tested midfielder, Brennan Creek brings high-level collegiate experience and resilience to Asheville City SC in his debut USL L2 season. Having played for both Western Michigan and the University of Kentucky, as well as a professional stint with Nashville SC’s MLS Next Pro affiliate, Huntsville City, Creek has navigated the highs of competing at nationally ranked programs as well as the challenges of injury setbacks. Now healthy and thriving in Asheville, he's rediscovering his love for the game while playing a pivotal role in the midfield. We sat down with Brennan to talk about his journey, his playing style, and how USL2 has helped him relaunch his pursuit of the professional game.

Q: Can you tell me about your journey to get to college soccer? What initially drew you to the programs you played for?

A: I’ve been playing soccer since I can remember and honestly had a pretty normal upbringing. I played 4 sports; baseball, basketball, football, and soccer, and my parents were pretty laid back and just let me follow my passion. Throughout my youth career I played for a local club team, Kalamazoo Kingdom, and played there all the way up until I left for college. Once high school started, I chose to narrow it down to two sports, basketball and soccer. I think being a multi-sport athlete provided me with certain skills that I wouldn’t have had if I had just stuck to soccer. So I always encourage young players: if there are any other sports that you enjoy, don’t stop playing them.

My junior year of high school was when I committed to Western Michigan. It was an easy choice for me because it was where both my parents attended, and I’m from the city of Kalamazoo so I grew up around the university. Also, a lot of my club teammates had committed there, and it honestly just made sense for me. After playing at Western, I headed to Kentucky, and what really drew me to Kentucky was the challenge. Obviously they have the facilities and all the bells and whistles, but I knew Kentucky was going to shape me into the player I needed to become to make the next level.

Q: Did you notice a change in level when you moved from Western Michigan to Kentucky, and what adjustments did you make, if any?

A: I think the biggest change was the environment. Both places had good players but the things you have access to at Kentucky are unmatched. Play wise, I think I just learned how to be versatile at Kentucky throughout the midfield. At Western Michigan I was a 10 and then at Kentucky I moved back a level to an 8/6 so it kind of helped me figure out my true potential.

Q: Having played all over the midfield in your college career, how would you describe your current play style for Asheville?

A: It’s funny cause I just talked about finding my true potential but playing here I’ve played the 10 more than the 8, 6. I think while playing here I’ve shown my versatility game by game. Obviously, with the team we have, we are rotating players a lot because the level doesn't drop with whoever is on the field. By being able to play all three spots, it gives us some flexibility on lineups and different tactical changes we need to make as well.

Q: What made Asheville SC the right fit for you, and what do you think the club and USL2 as a whole offer to players like you continuing to grow after college?

A: Asheville was a no-brainer for me because once I got injured at Nashville's MLS Next Pro affiliate Huntsville City, I needed to get back to the professional ranks and with Coach Scott’s ability to send guys back or to that level for the first time it was an easy decision. Also the level here is one of the best in the country and was the best spot for me to get back to the level I was at before the injury. I think USL 2 offers a great place for collegiate players to really test themselves and get out of their comfort zones at their respective colleges.

Q: What has your experience been like playing in Asheville, both on and off the field?

A: It’s been great. The level has been tremendous and everyone pushes each other everyday. It creates a very professional environment which was a great surprise because you don’t get this culture at all USL 2 teams. Off the field wise, I gotta give a shout-out to my host family Tina, Craig and their son Logan. They welcomed me here in Asheville with open arms and have made this experience amazing.

Q: What do you enjoy most about being part of this team and organization?

A: I think the expectation to be honest. The standard is set super high here and the goal we set for ourselves is a national championship. Wherever I’m at in my career, I always want to be fighting for championships.

Q: Are there any standout matches or moments this season that have meant a lot to you personally?

A: I don’t think any matches in particular, but the big thing for me is just finding the love for the game again after my injury. In Huntsville, my soccer career kind of flipped upside down and I just hated the game for a while. With the help of the coaching staff and the team I’ve started to enjoy playing again.

Q: Would you say that leg injury has been the biggest challenge you faced as a player?

A: Yeah, for sure. I think the timing of it was probably the worst part as well. Everything was on such a high note for me and then something like that happening out of nowhere just takes a lot out of you. Now having to kind of restart again has been tricky, but Asheville has definitely given me a new life and has supported me throughout this whole process.

Q: What goals do you have for yourself in the next year or two, both on and off the pitch?

A: To be honest my main and only goal is just to get back to the professional ranks and play at the highest level possible.

Q: If you could give advice to your younger self, or a younger player just entering college soccer, what would it be?

A: First and foremost, live in the moment, and you have a lot of time for everything to work out. I think for me I wanted to become pro at such a young age but in reality it will work itself out when the time is right. Also, talent isn't everything. It sounds very cliché, but soccer is so much more than scoring goals. There are plenty of talented players in this game that don’t make it because they don’t do the non-negotiables like working hard.