Every team has that one player. The natural born leader. The guy who gets the best out of himself by pushing others to their max. Barry Goldwater football and basketball player Brody Beckman is that guy.

The Barry Goldwater senior is in the middle of his high school farewell tour, one that has touched teammates and coaches along the way. Beckman, a natural athlete, has played football for only two years. A few years ago, the thought of Friday Night Lights never would’ve crossed his mind, but then an injury changed everything.

During his sophomore year basketball season, Beckman suffered a bad ankle sprain that took him out for most of the year. The injury cost Beckman a spot on the varsity, pushing him down to junior varsity.

“My varsity coach decided to give up on me and move me down to JV, he thought I was faking it for some reason,'' Beckman said. "From there I had to go down to JV, and I was there every single practice.”

Caught on the raw end of a bad deal, Beckman used other people’s doubts to fuel his own fire.

“I put all my efforts and all my focus in proving him wrong, and showing everybody that I am good enough to play at a high enough level,” Beckman said.

He added: “For someone to give up on me, it was honestly inspirational for myself to be able to dig myself out of that anger and frustration and build such a lasting memory out of it.”

For those who know Beckman, this reaction is on brand for the senior. Nathan Stumpf is Barry Goldwater’s new varsity basketball coach. Stumpf took over the program the year following Beckman’s injury. He recalls Beckman’s work ethic from the first time he met him.

“The first impression I had of him was the first open gym that I had,'' Stumpf said. "We only had five kids and he was one of them. He’s just one of those kids where no matter what drill we did, he worked hard. He wanted to get better.”

As Beckman works on improving his skills, he also aspires to bring his own teammates up.

“Not only does he lead by example, but he is a vocal leader,'' Stumpf said. "He’s always saying the right things. Whether he’s in the game, on the bench or at practice, he’s always trying to pick up his teammates in that matter.”

Frank Lautt, Beckman’s football coach, can attest to this statement. Ever since Beckman joined the team, Lautt agrees that Beckman will “do whatever is needed for the team.”

Beyond competing in high school, Beckman continues his search in finding a cause bigger than himself. After graduation, Beckman plans to join the NRTC program with the goal of becoming a Naval officer. With his grandfather having served in both the Army and Navy, serving his country his something he’s always wanted to do.

“I loved hearing stories about the Navy and my grandfather’s time there,'' Beckman said. "From there, I developed a love for serving our country."

He added: “It’s been something I’ve always aspired to do. I get to be a part of a similar culture, being a part of something bigger than myself."

Stumpf wrote one of Beckman’s letters of recommendation for the NRTC. For him, the job perfectly suits Brody.

“He is the epitome of a serving leader,'' Stumpf said. "He wants to serve other people and he wants to do the right things."

Whether it be on or off the field, Beckman finds a way to support his peers. And while the football season is starting to wrap up, basketball is right around the corner. And you’ll bet Beckman will be there.