Student-athlete spotlight: Hartselle’s Brooklyn Stiles
Brooklyn Stiles, a senior at Hartselle High School, is a two-sport athlete playing volleyball and softball for the Lady Tigers. She is the daughter of Brian and Heather Stiles.
Brooklyn has played softball for 12 years and has been a part of the varsity team for four years. She has helped the Lady Tigers to the North Regional in each of her four seasons with the varsity.
“During my freshman year, we played Athens in the Times Daily tournament. It was one of my first tournaments on varsity,” Stiles said. “The game ended up going nine innings and we won on a walkoff homerun.”
Her softball career has had its ups and downs, especially during her sophomore season when she went through the worst hitting slump in her career.
“Despite my slump, I was surrounded by the most amazing people,” Stiles said. “They had confidence in me even when I didn’t and they helped me bust my slump.”
She has played volleyball for six years, having played the last three with the varsity.
Sports is a big part of Brooklyn’s life.
“I love being a part of a team sharing the highs and lows of the games,” she said. “I am extremely thankful for the opportunities I have been blessed with, and getting to share my love for the game with those around me. I have always loved good competition and being able to compete with some of the best.”
In addition to her moments to remember, she also has a sports moment to forget.
“My most embarrassing moment came in my first year of volleyball,” she said. “We were playing at the junior high. I was going to call the ball out, and when I took my eyes off it to call it out, it fell right on my head.”
Brooklyn has learned many things during her athletic career, but a couple of things stand out above the rest.
“The first thing is the importance of trusting the process. Softball and volleyball have taught me and are still teaching me that everything happens for a reason,” she said. “The mental aspect of the game is challenging to handle. However, learning to believe in God’s plan was life-changing for me.”
One of her favorite teachers is librarian Tamisha Key.
“While I didn’t have Mrs. Key in the classroom, I have had the privilege of being one of her library aids. She is one of the most selfless people I know,” she said. “Anytime I needed help with some work, she was there. Anytime I need someone to talk to, she is there.”
Outside of sports, she loves spontaneous trips and spending time at home watching movies with my mom or friends.
“I hope to be remembered as a person who positively impacted the lives of those younger than me,” she said. “Not only as an athlete but as an individual, I want to be remembered as someone who made younger athletes feel welcomed and valued.”
After graduating, Brooklyn awaits to see what God has in store for her life.
“I am not sure of my future plans. I want to pursue a degree in Engineering and would love to play softball in college, but I am waiting,” she said. “I believe that God will put me exactly where I need to be.”
