As their senior year approaches its end, Brooks athletes are preparing to say goodbye to their sports, routines, relationships, and moments that helped shape their high school career. From early morning practices to large events, the senior athletes have spent years committing themselves to something meaningful and worthwhile.
For many, these themes were not just extracurriculars; they were families, support systems, and a space of growth. As their final season comes to a close, these seniors on the Girls Basketball Team reflect on their time here at Brooks and on their team.
For many, these themes were not just extracurriculars; they were families, support systems, and a space of growth. As their final season comes to a close, these seniors on the Girls Basketball Team reflect on their time here at Brooks and on their team.
Captain:
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Kyla Nash
There will be hard practices, tough games, and moments of doubt, but those are the moments that matter most. Kyla Nash, a shooting guard, has been on the girls' basketball team since her freshman year. Having played basketball since the 3rd grade, she credits her brother, her father, and a genuine love for the game as the foundation that led her to join. Kyla describes her experience as both challenging and rewarding, noting that while basketball pushed her in unexpected ways, it also gave her a second family. Through wins and losses, the team became a place where she learned resilience, trust, and what it means to truly show up. Throughout her time on the team, Kyla credits basketball with shaping her confidence, discipline, and leadership. As an athlete, she learned the importance of consistency and accountability; as a person, she learned how to handle pressure, accept feedback, and support others even when things didn't go her way. When asked to describe her experience in one word, she chose “transformative,” explaining that basketball didn't just make her a better player, but a better person. While she has so many good memories on the team as she claims they are “spontaneous,” one of her favorite memories came during her junior year, when the team turned conditioning fun by running out and filming a TikTok, gaining them extra laps. Kyla leaves the team with a legacy rooted in perseverance and self-belief. She hopes underclassmen remember that the hardest moments lead to great outcomes and wishes that everyone continues to push. With her final goodbye, she shares this message with the underclassmen: “There will be hard practices, tough games, and moments of doubt, but those are the moments that matter most. Trust the process, lean on your teammates, and never underestimate how much growth comes from staying committed even when it’s difficult.” |
Adrian Waddler
It’s okay to feel stuck for a moment, but don’t stay fixed forever. Adrian Waddler, a forward/center on the team, has been on the team all four years. She joined not only because basketball was familiar, but also to challenge herself socially and break out of her shell. She describes her experience with the team as “cultivated,” explaining that everyone has “strong efforts to improve our skills as individuals and as a team.” Throughout her time on the court, Adrian credits basketball with shaping her mentally, spiritually, and physically. Mentally, she learned how to work with different kinds of people. Spiritually, she discovered aspects of herself she wanted to grow and develop. Physically, she transformed her body through dedication to the sport. Reflecting on her journey, Adrian chose the word “monumental” to describe her experience. Adrian states she “learned a lot, discovered more about how people think, and she also watched my favorite people grow into who they aspire to be.” Her favorite memory came from last season’s playoff game against Perspectives, when the gym was quiet, and one opposing player said, “Coach, I'm tired.” The moment reminded her how far she and her team had pushed. From a shy freshman to a confident senior leader, Adrian leaves a legacy of courage, growth, and perseverance. With her final goodbye, she shares this advice for underclassmen: “You have to break out of anything you feel uncomfortable with. It’s okay to feel stuck for a moment, but don’t stay fixed forever.” |
Aaliyah Calloway
Find fun in all you do, and don't let anyone hold you back, not even yourself. Aaliyah Calloway, a shooting guard for the girls' basketball team, joined the program during her senior year. Although she had wanted to play for some time, her nerves initially held her back, especially when performing under pressure in front of a crowd, whether it be good or bad attention. Ultimately, she chose to push past that hesitation, recognizing that growth often comes from stepping into that discomfort. Reflecting on her experience, Aaliyah describes the season as “immersive,” noting that both practices and games carried a consistent rhythm that the team enviornment feel engaging. Throughout her time on the team, Aaliyah credits basketball with helping her grow as a teammate and as an individual. Joining a multifaceted group required patience and dedication to understanding team dynamics, which made her a better player. Her favorite memory came during a JV game where her teammate Kaylen hit a “clutch shot” to send the game into overtime, making the entire gymnasium go crazy. Aaliyahs decsion to join her final year reflects a quiet confidence and willingness to take risks. By choosing growth over fear, she proved that it's never too late to step into something new and leave an impact. With her final goodbye, Aaliyah leaves underclassmen with this message: “Find fun in all you do, and don't let anyone hold you back, not even yourself.” |
Nakiyah Wilks
You can be your own biggest enemy. To succeed, you need to get out of your head and be your biggest cheerleader. Nakiyah Wilks, a forward for the girls' basketball team, has been on the team all four years of high school. She joined the team out of a longstanding interest in sports and quickly found that basketball offered a space to challenge herself. If describing her experience in one word, she picked “development,” noting that her time on the team allowed her to grow not only as a player, but as a person. Throughout her time on the team, Nakiyah credits basketball with teaching her discipline and resilience. She has learned to accept constructive criticism and to overcome the mental barriers that can hold her back, as she realized that her own mindset is often her biggest obstacle. Her favorite memory came during her junior year, when the team won a tied game against Julian. Despite a difficult season, the victory demonstrated what teamwork and perseverance can achieve. Nakiyah leaves the team with a message of self-belief and focus. She encourages underclassmen to be their own biggest supporters, overcome mental challenges, and embrace the growth that comes from dedication and effort. With her final goodbye, she shares this advice to the underclassmen: “You can be your own biggest enemy. To succeed, you need to get out of your head and be your biggest cheerleader." |
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As this season comes to an end, these seniors leave behind so much more than just wins. Through tough practices and unforgettable moments, they built teams rooted in family and support. Each of them brought their own energy, leadership, humor, and heart into everything they did. In the process, they showed underclassmen what it truly means to stay committed and push through challenges. As they are leaving, the impact they’ve made on these teams and on each other will continue long after they’re gone.
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MIRIAH BRADLEY
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