Stanbery plays in a home game for Watauga during her senior season. Photo Creds: Lauren Patterson, Watauga Yearbook.
The Watauga Volleyball team's season ended several months ago. Still, one of the star players Brooklyn Stanbery has just committed to continue her education and athletic career at Lenoir Rhyne University.
Stanbery attended Green Valley Elementary, and it’s where she began her volleyball career through her time on the middle school volleyball team.
Stanbery then played on the Varsity Team for Watauga the past two years as an outside hitter and is excited at the prospect of playing at the collegiate level. However, volleyball was not the only thing that attracted Stanbery to Lenoir Rhyne.
“I chose Lenoir-Rhyne because of how strong their program is and how much they care about their athletes,” Stanbery said. “The school also has a very good nursing program, which is something that is very important to me.”
Volleyball has been a large part of Stanbery’s life since her time on the middle school volleyball team, beginning in 6th grade, and her passion for the sport has only evolved since then through good coaches and palpable team spirit egging her on.
“I didn't know I wanted to play in college until around sophomore year because my love for the sport had grown so much,” Stanbery said. “I have played with the same group of girls now for 5 years, so we have grown together and been with each other every step of the way, and they are now some of my closest friends.”
The coaches at Watauga have paved the way for Stanbery to play at the collegiate level and have continuously provided support and critiques that helped Stanberry and her team develop as athletes.
“The most influential people throughout my career have been my coaches, Kim, Colby, and Casey. They have taught me everything I know and I wouldn't be anywhere without them,” Stanbery said.
Watauga Volleyball has been an incredible stepping stone for many players to move on to the collegiate level by providing large amounts of support to each of the players.
“They are some of my biggest role models and they make me a better person,” said Stanberry. “The dedication they have put into me and every other player is what makes us better.”
Stanbery has finished up her career at Watauga and is ready to move on towards a new academic community and team, well-prepared by her Watauga peers, coaches, and mentors.
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