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Jordan Bryant has enjoyed a breakout senior season for the LaGrange boys soccer team. The forward always knew he had this kind of play in him and went on a tear in 2023, scoring 21 goals and contributing nine assists. 

“I knew I had to step up and have a big season for the team,” Bryant said. “I wanted to end my high school career on a good note.

“I always knew I was capable of doing it. I just had to put in the work and get it done.”

After a solid first year with LaGrange a season ago, Bryant has taken his game to new heights this season. Before enrolling at LaGrange High as a junior, Bryant was homeschooled and did not play school based soccer until doing so. He has been a member of club teams over the years and currently plays for Concord Fire in Columbus. Being a Granger has opened up his eyes to what it means to be a part of a soccer team. 

“I have learned over the last two years just how much soccer means,” Bryant said. “I didn’t realize how important it was until last year when we got to the playoffs and lost and felt how much that hurt. It made me realize just how much I hate losing and want to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

Every one of his 21 goals scored this season were extremely important to the Grangers success but none were more important than the game-winning goal he scored late in the LaGrange’s final regular season game against Whitewater that saw the Grangers win the region 4-4A title.

“It was a great feeling,” Bryant said. “Words could hardly describe how I was feeling at that moment. There’s not many feelings like it.”

It has been quite a run for the senior and while his time with LaGrange is winding down, his time as a soccer player is far from over. Bryant will be applying his craft at Truett McConnell in Cleveland, Georgia starting in the fall.

“My soccer career is really just getting started,” Bryant said. “It has always been one of my biggest goals, to play in college.

“The people there were super nice and it felt like a great family atmosphere.”

He is not ready to close out this chapter yet. Losing in the round of 16 of the AAAA state playoffs a season ago has made him hungrier for even more playoff success this season.  

Soccer has been the only sport Bryant has ever known as he started playing when he was four years old, and it has been a part of his life ever since. His father — Chris Bryant — has been there every step of the way. 

“My biggest influence has always been my dad,” Bryant said. “He always coached me growing up, and he played as a kid, so I got my love of soccer from him.”

Granger fans will get at least one more chance to see Bryant suit up in the no. 10 jersey at Callaway Stadium. Bryant will be looking to score his first playoff goal when the Grangers host Wayne County on Friday. 

“We have to go in and take care of business,” Bryant said. “We can’t take them lightly just because we are the higher seed and are favorites.