While others might let stress negatively affect them, senior Brooklyn Lucas has used it to help her grow in her athletic abilities.
Lucas competes in javelin, shot put, and discus events in outdoor and indoor track. She also participates in competitive and sideline cheerleading, Best Buddies and Special Olympics clubs, and she maintains a part-time job.
“I think the anxiety that comes with doing as much as I do has only made me stronger,” Lucas said.
Lucas first attended track practice in spring of her sophomore year after taking notice of her brother’s love for it.
“I wanted to do it earlier, but my eighth grade year was during COVID, and I focused on cheer my freshman year,” Lucas said.
After practicing for weeks, Lucas competed at her first meet and began developing her love for the sport. Now, throughout the indoor track season, Lucas trains hard to keep seeing improvement in her abilities.
“Working hard every day just means that meets will go smoother,” Lucas said.
To prepare for the season, she likes to eat healthy food and spend time in the weight room. Her peers notice the effects of her dedication.
“Her insane natural strength stands out,” junior teammate Jazzy Green said.
The two girls have become friends through track and enjoy cheering each other on. Being a good teammate means not only hyping each other up, but also performing to the best of their abilities.
“She is great at instilling confidence in people,” Green said.
Lucas juggles academics, sports, and extracurricular activities every day. Handling such responsibilities has become a normal part of her life.
“Brooklyn is a natural leader who is willing to go out and step forward. She has a willingness to learn from her mistakes and help others,” Partners PE teacher Timothy Laughlin said.
Laughlin has known Lucas since her freshman year, and he has always admired her kindness and positive attitude. He enjoys hearing about her accomplishments in track and takes notice of her sportsmanship and leadership, Laughlin said.
For the upcoming season, Lucas hopes to continue leading the team and improving her times, she said. Lucas hopes to break Baldwin’s record of 43.2 feet in shot put and place at WPIALs in the top eight for shot put and javelin.
“It’s a long stretch, but I hope to be able to do it before I leave Baldwin,” Lucas said.
Lucas has earned a track scholarship from West Liberty University and plans to continue her athletic training there.
“I’m so excited to do track in college. I think it’ll be different and fun,” Lucas said.
