For Maȟpíya Lúta junior Brooklyn Twiss, three years of varsity volleyball have transformed her from a quiet freshman finding her footing into one of the team’s most vocal and dependable leaders. The growth has been real, and she is not done yet.
A Different Player Than She Was
“I have gotten way more confident and loud compared to my freshman year on varsity,” Brooklyn shares. “As I have gotten used to everything and everyone, my communication has gotten way better on and off the court. Now I am in that leadership role, to help the younger girls gain their confidence and their voice within the sport.”
That evolution from nervous newcomer to team leader is something only time and experience can produce, and Brooklyn has earned every bit of it.
Trusting Herself Night After Night
Three years of competing at the varsity level has taught Brooklyn something that goes beyond volleyball.
“It has taught me to trust myself and believe that I can handle anything,” she says. “Especially with only being in the back row, I have to be really mentally strong to stay that consistent.”
That mental strength shows up in the numbers. Brooklyn leads the team in digs, a reflection of someone who has put in the work to be ready when the moment comes.
Lessons from AAU
Brooklyn’s development has not been limited to the Maȟpíya Lúta program. Her experience competing at the AAU level has given her a broader view of what volleyball can look like at its highest level.
“It really showed me how a structured, consistent program can really benefit the players,” she explains. “Also just how much accountability and fortitude it takes to be a good, strong, and fundamental team. I wish to bring the competitiveness and positive energy and outlook of volleyball to Maȟpíya Lúta’s program.”
Coached by Her Dad
Perhaps the most unique part of Brooklyn’s story this season is that her father is the one drawing up the plays and running practice. For some, that dynamic could be complicated. For Brooklyn, it has been nothing but a positive.
“It’s still the same, I still work as hard and put in all my effort,” she says. “I have noticed that it’s easier for not just me, but everyone can voice their opinions more easily. I am very grateful that he decided to be our coach.”
That kind of trust between a player and her coach, who also happens to be her dad, creates something special in a program. Brooklyn Twiss is three years into her varsity career, playing her best volleyball, leading the next generation, and doing it all with her father on the sideline. There is still one more year to go, and this group is just getting started.