At just 15, Brianna Rutecki, a five-year Parkland resident, is already a standout quarterback for Western High School’s flag football team and the West Express travel team. Home-educated and in 10th grade, Brianna’s talent and drive have set her sights on a historic goal: competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where flag football will debut as an official sport.
Her journey is one of dedication, leadership, and an unyielding passion for the game. Brianna’s role as quarterback demands both skill and mental toughness. “Maintaining composure in the game, and having that ‘next play’ mentality,” she says, is the hardest part of her position. Yet, she thrives under pressure, a trait that shines through in her articulate and humbly confident demeanor. Her coaches have been instrumental in her growth, teaching her critical skills like how to read a defense.
“That’s really important as a quarterback,” she notes. This knowledge has helped her lead her team by keeping them motivated, running the ball, and earning crucial yards to push forward in a recent tournament.
Originally from Illinois, Brianna was deeply involved in dance before moving to Florida. Now an all-around athlete, she has competed in basketball, softball, track, lacrosse, swimming, and soccer. But flag football has captured her heart. “I’ve definitely grown in leadership and so much more as a person and a player,” she reflects, showcasing the maturity that sets her apart.
Her commitment is unwavering, spending hours watching game films, training one-on-one, and hitting the gym—sometimes twice a day. Her mother, Rosemarie, a functional medicine doctor, beams with pride: “She is so committed to learn and is dedicated to practice. A lot of kids wouldn’t be that focused. I’m really proud of her! She’s always asking for more! She has a lot of energy.”
Brianna’s family, including her chiropractic physician father, Brian, 13-year-old brother, Royce, two French bulldogs, a border collie, and even chickens, forms a supportive backdrop. “My brother is nice sometimes, but he’s annoying also,” she says with a typical teen’s candor. When not on the field, Brianna enjoys pizza as her go-to indulgence. With her eyes on the Olympics, this young quarterback’s blend of talent, grit, and heart makes her a name to watch.
