Strawberry Crest’s three-sport star, Terra Brooks, has over 100 kills, 91 digs and 50 blocks roughly two-thirds of the way through the 2015 season, and has led the Lady Chargers to the top spot in the district. She’s looking to end her high school volleyball career on top, with at least a district title, next month.
You guys are on top of the district right now. How are you feeling?
Being that it’s my senior year, it’s bittersweet. I’m enjoying the season, but it’s going by really fast. I love the game, and I love my team. It’s heartbreaking. I’m gonna play in college, but it’s not the same girls, not the same feeling.
What are your college plans?
I plan on playing for Alabama A&M University.
Last year, you all came one game away from winning the district. Is it doable this year?
I honestly think that we have a very good chance of winning districts. The team has come together a lot more as the season went on. The first three games were tough — they were tough teams — but, so far, we’re 2-0 in the district and we plan on winning the rest of the games.
You made first team all-county for volleyball last season. Was that your first time?
I got first team for basketball last year, but this was my first time getting it for volleyball.
In your last Athlete of the Week interview, two years ago, you said that your goal was to be named MVP in every sport that you play. Would you say you’ve reached that goal, or how close have you come?
Our coaches don’t really do MVP like that anymore. They like to let every player know that they were an asset to the team. I’m satisfied with everything. I have nothing to complain about.
What do you plan to major in at Alabama A&M?
Physical therapy. I just like to be around sports, being physical. I don’t like sitting behind a desk all day, doing business work — I like interacting.
What will you miss most about this team?
The goofiness, and laughing all the time. Even though that used to be a problem for us — you can’t goof off with a lot of teams all the time. We win together and lose together. We’re all the same. Nobody changes.
There’s been a lot written about you, and what you can do on a court or a track. But what’s something that people don’t really know about you?
Most people think I’m mean, but I’m not a mean person. On the court, of course, I’m going to be in a whole different demeanor. Especially when it’s a big competition, and I’m determined to win a game. Off the court, I’m really goofy. I like to laugh, and I like to make people smile.
If you could meet anyone you look up to right now, who would it be?
Beyoncé. I like to sing, too, but I just hear her story sometimes, the, ‘I went to chase my dreams,’ type of thing. It’s what I’m doing with volleyball. Every entertainer or athlete that has my type of story: everything has to be earned. Anyone that cherishes hard work and effort.
You get $1 billion in the bank. What’s the first thing you buy?
I’d pay off my mom and dad’s house and cars. They come first, so they could never say I did nothing for them.
Do you have any personal goals for this year?
To perfect what I do, in any sport. I want to perfect my technique hitting the ball in volleyball, shooting the ball in basketball, or any power moves, and jumping in track. I just want to end my senior year knowing that I did my best, and that it paid off.