CLUTE, Texas — Many high school seniors are getting ready for graduation this month and one Brazoswood High School athlete is leaving her mark and an incredible impact on the school’s athletic department.
Brooklyn Baker, a straight-A student with a 3.8-grade point average, is known for accomplishments that have put a spotlight on Brazoswood High. She recently broke the girls’ triple jump record for the sixth time this past track season with a jump of 40 feet 1.5 inches and broke the girls’ long jump record with a jump of 19 feet and 9.75 inches. On top of that, Baker placed first in the triple and long jumps and qualified in the 100m dash at the district meet held at Challenger Stadium in Webster, Texas, last month. When it comes to all of her hard-earned victories, Baker says she did not accomplish them on her own.
“I definitely know that it’s a God-given gift and I always give God the glory for whatever it is that I accomplish,” she said during an interview with d-mars. “It’s honestly exciting knowing that I’m always improving and always finding new ways to improve, so I’m pretty humble about it.”
She also credits her parents, Edmond and Kamisha Baker, and a former coach for helping her grow, both athletically and as a student.
“From the beginning, during my freshman year, she (Coach Christina Hemmen) was always trying to find new ways for me to grow and she definitely transformed the way that I jumped into way, way better ways,” she explained. “I know for my mom, she’s just always been there. If I want to work on something, she’s going to be there as soon as possible and whenever to take me to the gym and take me to the track. She’s always helping me get stronger. My dad provides moral support and he’s always there to give me motivational words.”
In addition to track, Baker also played basketball and volleyball. She was a part of the Athletic Leadership Council and Practical Floral Design. She will attend Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, on a full-ride scholarship and plans to study animal science or veterinarian medicine.
“I really just liked the environment. Since I am going to be away from my family, I wanted to go into something that was like another family for me. I like the little town vibes,” she said. “I slowly realized that I like being around animals and helping them in different ways.”
Brooklyn looks forward to “breaking out” of her “shell,” building relationships and working on her skillsets for college track post-graduation.
