Where academics are concerned, Sara Corum hits the books hard. Where soccer is concerned, the Girls Preparatory School honor student shifts into a higher gear.
"She works hard at everything she does, but you see her competitive personality come out on the field," said coach Patrick Winecoff, whose Bruisers are 9-2-2, 3-1-2 in their region, after Saturday's 2-0 loss to Father Ryan. "She has a quiet demeanor - relaxed and calm - and then when she gets on the field it's go, go, go. She's very fierce."
Corum's controlled but whirling-dervish style of play at left back has made an impression on numerous opponents and has allowed GPS to pursue a somewhat unusual style of play. She patrols her sideline but often ignites and follows up on offensive opportunities.
"We encourage our outside backs to get forward and to be offensive," Winecoff said. "I remember a couple of games her sophomore year when she was crossing it and our other outside back was receiving it in the box below the 18. We try to push, push, push, and she fits that mold perfectly. She's also very diligent to recover, and that's one of the reasons that it works."
An aspiring veterinarian, Corum actually plays more than one position in those situations, often allowing the Bruisers a lopsided offensive advantage. She was on the offensive end in the recent Baylor game, and her perfectly placed pass led to the game's first goal in the 2-1 victory.
"I run track also. I'm a big runner and I love to get upfield and join in the play," the diminutive standout said.
She smiled when asked if she was aggressive and then nodded and replied, "I can be. I like to control my side of the field."
It's hard to imagine that a 5-foot-3, 105-pound girl could control much more than her emotions, yet she does so.
"Determined" was the adjective she used in self-description. "Fearless" also would fit.
"We're aware of what she brings to the table, and when we see her getting upfield offensively we know things are going right, and she is," Winecoff said.
"Sara shows a lot of leadership qualities," GPS assistant coach Andy Sarjent said. "She may not be as vocal as some, but she has that presence on the field and other players know what she demands of herself and of them."
The one-time barrel-racer and lacrosse player was good enough as a sophomore to earn a scholarship offer from Lee University, which she quickly accepted, and she'll sign those papers next month.
"She gives 110 percent. She understands how we want to play, and she plays her position well," Sarjent said. "She's technically good and tactically understands how we want to play. She also does a good job of working with younger players. She's a player you want on your team.
"She's spirited and plays and practices with a lot of charisma, and you know that win or lose you're going to get everything she has and that she expects the same from you."
Contact Ward Gossett at wgossett@timesfreepress.com or 423-886-4765. Follow him at Twitter.com/wardgossett.