Another local softball standout has committed to continue her career in college. Blacksburg’s Brooke Anderson announced Wednesday she will attend Virginia Wesleyan in the fall.
“I chose Virginia Wesleyan because of the community there, the strong academic programs, and of course their amazing softball program. The community there was like no other. The professors get to know you as a student and a person and want to help you succeed not only in the classroom but also in your future. That was something that stood out to me about VWU from the start,” she said.
Anderson also wanted a college that had a strong Science department and VWU fits that mold perfectly in every way. Then there is the fact that they are the defending National Division lll softball champions for the past two years.
She has played catcher and outfielder for the Bruins and expects to play both in college. Anderson has continually been a clutch hitter at the plate, commanding a batting average around .423 for most of her varsity career with six home runs last season. She also holds a 4.12 GPA in the classroom.
She was named to the Region 4D honorable mention team and All-River Ridge second team as a catcher.
“My long-term goal for on the field is to be a part of another Marlin team that brings home another National title. I like many other athletes love to win and nothing would make me happier than to have this goal and dream come true,” she said.
Off the field, she plans to pursue a career in the medical field.
“I will probably go into the sport medicine field because I want to be able to give back to sports. Throughout my life, sports have taught me so many lessons and given me so much that I really just want to be able to give back to other athletes in order for them to have the same experience,” she said.
One of her biggest memories so far as a Bruin was the excitement of last season when the team played n the postseason.
“In that post season, my team and I honestly made history for BHS Softball. Never had a softball team at BHS gone to the state level of competition, and even though we did not make it to the state championship, or even the state semifinals, we did make it to that state quarterfinals. In that state quarterfinal game, I did not realize it but we were making history. It was just a great year with an amazing team that I will always remember,” she said.
Anderson cites her family and coaches as being the big influence in her life.
“I have not only had the never-ending support of my family in every sport that I have ever done, but also the support of many influential coaches. My parents and siblings have always been there for me in practices, games and even training. My dad was even my coach until I was about 14 years old, and he has been one of my biggest supporters ever since. As for my mom, brother, and sister, they have all been so helpful and encouraging in everything that I do,” said Anderson.
“I have also had some coaches of teams that I have played for that truly have helped shape me into the softball player and person that I am today. Some of them do not realize it, but they have had a greater impact on my life than they will ever know.”