photo courtesy of Giovoni Lebrun

Freshman defender Giovani Lebrun poses with a trophy after competing in a tournament with the Toronto Lynx Soccer Club prior to attending Point Park.

The Point Park University’s men’s soccer team added a “brick wall” to their defense by bringing Giovoni Lebrun from Toronto to Pittsburgh.

“Giovoni was proclaimed as the ‘brick wall’ by our teammates as he is impenetrable,” said Nolyn Do Nascimento, former teammate and captain at the Toronto Lynx Soccer Club. “I don’t doubt he will continue his legacy down at Point Park.” 

Lebrun has the reputation of being a very strong and calm player. Playing at the back requires calmness under pressure, since this is the last line of defense. Former teammates of Lebrun always felt safe when he was behind them because they knew they could rely on him, and Lebrun was not afraid to physically back them up if they got into trouble. 

“Giovoni has a very unique style of play. He isn’t afraid to step into the midfield in order to break down a counter attack and is rarely out of position. He is very calm and collected at the back and distributes the ball very well,” Nascimento said. “He never backs down from a physical challenge and isn’t afraid of letting the other team know that his tackles are stronger than theirs. Overall, I’d say he’s a more disciplined David Luiz (plays for Paris St. Germain) style player.” 

Lebrun has had the “brick wall” success from the beginning of his soccer career.

“My first memory of playing soccer was holding up the first trophy I ever won at the end of my second year playing,” Lebrun said. 

Lebrun’s favorite memory of playing soccer was when he went to Nationals in Florida and his team came in second in all of North America. 

“That was a big accomplishment for myself,” Lebrun said. 

The natural soccer talent runs in the Lebrun family. Lebrun’s brother, Jordon Lebrun, received a scholarship from Oswego State University for soccer and Lebrun’s father, Colin Lebrun, played soccer at a very high level.

In December 2013, Jeroen Walstra, the Men’s Soccer Head Coach at Point Park, spotted Giovoni at a tournament in Florida. 

“I saw him playing and I really liked what I saw so I approached him afterwards,” Walstra said. 

After many phone calls and emails, a visit and tryout were arranged for Lebrun in January. 

When Lebrun visited Point Park for the first time, he knew he didn’t need to look anywhere else.  

“I wanted to come to Point Park because when I first visited the school I was greatly welcomed from the staff and soccer team,” Lebrun said. “I loved the players and the coaching that was going on and I could really see myself developing as a person and soccer player attending Point Park.” 

Lebrun looks forward to walking out and playing his first game at the Highmark Stadium in front of his Point Park peers. 

“I think my first game with the Pioneers will be full of anxiousness and excitement and I know we will come out with a win,” Lebrun said 

Coach Walstra is excited to have Lebrun and believes he will contribute a lot to the team throughout the season. 

“I think Giovoni is very calm and composed on the ball and will play a big role in building attacks out of the back, as well as offering defensive experience,” said Jonty Loukes, men’s soccer team captain. 

Other than becoming a professional soccer player one day, Lebrun also aspires to be an English teacher. 

“I see Giovoni developing into a formidable central defender, and can definitely make it pro. However, what I’m more excited for is to see him fulfill his hopes in becoming a teacher, as I know he has the heart and determination, as well as the understanding to become a great professor,” Nascimento said. “My children will definitely learn a thing or two from Mr. Lebrun.” 

Former teammates and coaches say that Lebrun has many admirable qualities as a person and a soccer player and he will have a bright future in whatever he decides to pursue. 

“Giovoni can have whatever he wants in the future,” said Lebrun’s former assistant coach at the Toronto Lynx Soccer Club, Billy Steele. 

“The most important thing that I’ve always admired about Giovoni is his toughness. He is not only physically tough, but also mentally,” Nascimento said. “He has been through many rough experiences and adversities, which I could not even imagine having to deal with, but he kept it together nonetheless. Everyone has personal issues that affect them, however he never let them influence his game.” 

Lebrun and the rest of the men’s soccer team will play their first home game Thursday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. against Wheeling Jesuit at the Highmark Stadium.