Photo courtesy of Swift Family: Coach Nick Exelby. Ethan Swift. Dylan Swift. Head Coach Hunter MacArthur
By Samantha Meyer
Beacon Correspondent
The 2025 soccer season ended with recognition for Munising Baptist School as brothers Dylan and Ethan Swift were both named most valuable players in the Northern Lights League.
The siblings were selected as co-players of the year and also served as co-captains of the all-conference team after helping lead the Bobcats to an undefeated season and tournament victory.
The recognition highlights the impact the brothers had on the field throughout the season. Dylan was a forward, while his younger brother Ethan served as the team’s goalkeeper, giving the Bobcats strength on both ends of the soccer field. Their combined leadership and performance helped anchor the team’s success.
School administrator and athletic director Ethan Van Bruggen said the recognition reflects the abilities of both players as well as their contributions to the team.
“It is truly an honor to have two of our soccer players named co-players of the year and co-captains of the all-conference team,” Van Bruggen said. “It is even more special that the players are brothers, Dylan on offense and Ethan in the goal.”
Van Bruggen also noted that the brothers were not the only Bobcats recognized by the NLL this season. Teammate Trek also made the all-conference team.
For Dylan Swift, the moment of learning about the award was both exciting and meaningful, especially because he was able to share the recognition with his brother.
“It’s exciting to even be named on one of those all-conference teams,” Dylan said. “And just to find out that both of us tied for that position, especially with it being my last high school sport to be able to be played, that was really cool to be able to share it together.”
The brothers have spent years playing and practicing together, often pushing one another to improve their skills. Dylan said the dynamic has helped them grow as athletes.
“We play together a lot,” Dylan said. “We’re both really competitive with each other. So I think that helps us to really improve. Obviously, he plays goalie. I play offense, so when we practice, we help each other out to be able to be better at our respective positions.”
One of the most memorable moments of the season came during a comeback victory over Hannahville. The Bobcats were trailing 3-0 with roughly 10 minutes remaining in the game. The team rallied to score three goals, forcing a tie and eventually winning in a shootout.
While Dylan’s high school soccer career has come to an end, Ethan will remain on the field as goalkeeper next season. He said he looks forward to continuing with the program’s success. He plans to attend Pensacola Christian College in Florida, where he hopes to continue playing soccer and possibly join the same team as his older brother.
“I’ll still be in the goalie position,” Ethan said. However, he acknowledged the team will need to adjust after graduating several players. “We’ll see how we will do next year losing the seniors we just lost this year.”
The Bobcats will have three players graduate this year, meaning the younger players will need to step up next year.
Both Swift brothers also made a point to recognize the people who helped guide the team throughout the year. Dylan said the success of the season would not have been possible without the leadership of coaches Hunter MacArthur and Nick Exelby, along with the dedication of their teammates.