Brooklynn Bender is ready to find out what another level of volleyball can bring out of her.
The Pryor High School sophomore is preparing to play for a new club team this year, one that will put her against stronger competition and give her another opportunity to develop her game.
“I am most excited about playing for a new club team this year that competes at a higher level, challenging me to be better,” Bender said.
That willingness to be challenged reflects one of the biggest lessons volleyball has given Bender. She has learned that improvement requires work, a mindset she carries beyond the court and into the classroom.
“An important lesson being in sports has taught me the importance of hard work,” Bender said. “This helps me with so much, including school and my grades.”
Along the way, Bender has had people at Pryor who have helped shape her experience. Sharon Rash has been her favorite teacher because of the support she has provided when Bender needed someone to talk to.
“She has always been there for me, and she is a great person to talk to during hard times,” Bender said.
On the volleyball court, Lexi Line has given Bender an example to follow.
“Lexi Line has been a great role model in volleyball,” Bender said. “She has taught me so much over the past few years. She is kind and competitive, which are both great things to have when playing volleyball.”
Bender also stays involved outside athletics through the Mid-America Ambassadors program, FCCLA, National Honor Society and LifeSmarts Team. She appreciates growing up in a smaller community where familiar faces are rarely far away.
“If you go eat at a local restaurant, you will always see someone you know there,” Bender said.
Her biggest supporter throughout everything has been her mom, who has made the time and travel required for volleyball possible.
“She is supportive of me and willing to take me anywhere I need to go for volleyball,” Bender said.
As Bender takes on a higher level of competition, she carries advice that fits the opportunity ahead: “If you find something you like, do not give up on it, even if you think you’re not good enough.”
For Bender, the next challenge is another chance to keep proving what hard work can build.
