Creighton stalwart defender Brendan Hines-Ike has been a big man on campus since his arrival three seasons ago. The 6-foot-1 Denver, Colorado, native wasted no time making an impact in Omaha, teaming up with All-American Andrew Ribeiro, as a true freshman, to form the heart of Creighton’s back line.
Since his arrival Hines-Ike has played in every match, starting in all but six. He’s been an incredible leader for the Bluejays despite still being one of the younger members on the roster.
Entering his third year at Creighton, Brendan is the unspoken leader of the squad. His poise on the field and tremendous ability to manage a game make him the player all others look to.
Talking with Brendan is an honor. He’s a well-spoken student of the game, and I can’t help but think while standing in the Creighton locker room lined with the jerseys of all current and former Creighton professionals, that the name Hines-Ike will be soon to join.
WBR: You’re from Denver but you played youth soccer with Chivas USA Academy in Los Angeles; tell me a little bit about that?
Brendan Hines-Ike [BH-I]: My story is a little long and difficult, but long story short I played for three different clubs before my brother got invited to the Copa Chivas in Mexico. They loved him, and invited him to play full time for Chivas USA. He told me what a good opportunity it was for him, so I went over there and did I try-out, they loved me and signed me to their Academy after two days. I ended up staying there for two years. I really enjoyed my time there, it is one of the best Academies in the country. I played for the U16s my first two months there but was quickly moved to the U18s, where I went on to be captain my senior year.
WBR: Speaking of your brother, talk about what it was like to play against him and Seattle in the NCAA tournament at Morrison last year? Lot of trash talk?
BH-I: No, not at all. We are best friends; we’ve always played with each other. This was the first time we played against each other. We just wanted to make sure it was a good night for our parents, more than anything because they came. It was obviously very special for them. For me, it was another important game.
Hines-Ikes :: Brendan & Ian squared off in last seasons NCAA match at Morrison
WBR: You’re a junior this year, but you’ve been a starter at Creighton since you were a freshman, talk a little bit about the experience you’ve been able to impart on the team this season?
BH-I: With the Creighton program we have the analogy of the Shark Tank. Whether you are a new fish or a veteran, you have to get into the Shark Tank and either learn on your own quickly or get out. I learned that when I was a freshman that I had to quickly grow up [Brendan was only 17 his hreshman season]. Some of the more mature players helped me then, and I feel it’s my turn to help some of the younger guys now convert from Academy play to the D1 level in a steady way, both on the field and with their studies.
WBR: Has your role on the field changed this season? We see you getting up the field much more than you’ve ever done.
BH-I: I used to play forward when I was younger; it’s actually why Chivas USA recruited me to their Academy. Obviously leading the back line this year is my main focus, and we’ve done a great job this year with four shutouts in four games. Although I have a scoring past, and have a knack to get forward and get goals. The staff has told me they hope to utilize those skills on set plays and with free kicks [Hines-Ike scored the winner against Western Illinois off a set piece]. They know that if the situation arises and we need a goal they can put me forward. I have a different mind-set going forward. I enjoy taking on players, and shooting from far, which is slightly different than some of our other attacking players. As a center back I don’t have a ton of freedom to join the offense, but Coach Bolowich told me when I first got to campus that he knows I can play forward and trusts me to make that decision.
WBR: You touched on it earlier, but four matches, four wins, four shutouts. What is the defense looking to improve on?
BH-I: The biggest thing for this year’s team is defending from the front. Our new formation demands that our furthermost players are the first line of defense. If we don’t start from the front then it puts the defense on our heels the entire game and that’s never a good thing. We are also looking to be more in control of the game. We want to dominate the tempo and flow, and we feel that our defensive line of Eric [DeJulio], Vince [Keller], and [Jose] Ribas can dictate the pace of a match.
WBR: Creighton and Tulsa faced off in the spring, battling to a 3-3 draw. How’s the team approaching such a huge match, and the first time some of the new guys will be on the road?
BH-I: Tulsa in many respects is an unknown rival to Creighton. There have been fights between players, lots of meaningful matches, and an unspoken understanding for who is the top program in the Midwest. Our game in the spring was a battle. They were also at Morrison for our opening match of the season last fall. We got the 2-0 result but it was physical the entire game. My best friend, Jake McGuire, is Tulsa’s goalkeeper. This will be the first time I play against him. Tulsa has always been a good playing team, and we like good playing teams. But make no mistake about it; the match will be extremely physical.
WBR: You have already accomplished so much as a Bluejay, what do you hope to get out of this season, and in your soccer career?
BH-I: I’ve always pushed myself to become a professional, and not just in the MLS. I learned from the first day I got to campus that it’s not about me it’s about the team, and I learned that very quickly. If the team does not do well, I don’t look good. I’ve learned to become a very team oriented player. This season I want to win everything, and I truly think we can. Honestly, this is one of the most talented teams that I have ever been with in my whole career. Afterward, no one knows. I would like to be in the professional ranks as soon as possible, but when Elmar and Johnny tell me I’m ready then I’ll go.
WBR: What are you like in the classroom?
BH-I: I’ve never been a great student. I always find myself day-dreaming about something soccer related. Everything I do is so soccer-centric, it’s tough to keep it off the brain. I will say that Creighton has helped me focus on my studies. I’m an international business major, so right now I’m taking a lot of business classes with multiple members of the team so seeing them helps to keep me on track with my school work.
Brendan Hines-Ike scored against Western Illinois (WBR/Mike Spomer) CLICK TO BUY