College Commits: Brooke Aslakson
Photos submitted by Brooke Aslakson.
Izzy Pack
Brooke Aslakson, currently a junior at Hamilton, has been playing volleyball for seven years. She recently committed to playing college volleyball at University of Minnesota-Duluth.
Aslakson’s teammate, junior Eva Finnessy, says, “Brooke and I have been on the varsity volleyball team here at Hamilton since we were freshmen. Through many memories, Brooke has always been the hardest worker and dedicated to her team. She is not only a competitive person, but she also cares tremendously about her teammates. Playing with Brooke is always a blast, and she makes practices so fun. I am so proud of how far she has come, and I am so excited to see what her future entails.”
Aslakson’s current high school coach, Traci Buhr, adds, “Her passion and dedication to all aspects of her life helped make Brooke the athlete she is today. She is studious both in the classroom and on the court and her leadership is best shown through example. Her kind and compassionate disposition makes her an incredible teammate, and she will make an immediate impact playing D2 college volleyball at MN Duluth. She will be a force to be reckoned with next year for us in her senior year.”
Read more to hear from Aslakson:
How long have you been playing?
I started playing volleyball in 4th grade when I was 10. Two years later I started playing year-round club volleyball.
What is your favorite memory from volleyball?
My favorite volleyball memory is beating Manitowoc Lincoln in 5 sets to advance to the state tournament this past 2023 high school season.
What do you think is your favorite/best volleyball goal you've accomplished?
I would say my favorite volleyball goals that I have accomplished are helping my team make it to state, committing to play volleyball in college, and receiving All-Conference and All State Awards.
What will you miss most about playing for Hamilton?
I will miss the environment Hamilton volleyball provides me. The people I have met playing this sport are truly one of a kind and have become some of my best friends. Getting to play with these teammates in the competitive, loud, and lit-up Hamilton atmosphere is something I will miss the most.
How has volleyball impacted your life?
I would say volleyball has impacted my life in many ways. One, it has given me an escape from real-life. Whenever I play, I am able to be a different person and am able to put off all of my “real-life” problems. Two, I have learned how to build quality relationships because of this sport. Being able to communicate and learn from other people has taught me not only how to be a better player, but a better person. Quite honestly, I don’t know where I would be without volleyball as it has given me some of my greatest friendships and memories.
What is one lesson you've learned from volleyball?
One lesson I have learned from volleyball is to never give up. Both on the court and real life, things don’t always come easy to everyone. However, with work and practice, you can get to where you want to be.
What was the recruitment process like for you?
Was it hard weeding out other schools?
The recruitment process is definitely different for everyone, but for me I would say that it was pretty easy deciding where I wanted to go. I just got this feeling that UMD was the place for me, and I knew pretty quickly that it was where I wanted to be.
What is it like committing so early?
I will say it was a little scary committing so early because I had to face the idea that my thoughts and feelings about things could change. However, at the same time it is nice to have my college decision process out of the way, especially being as confident as I am in my decision.
What is one thing that a volleyball coach has told you, that you will carry into playing in college?
“Move on. It’s just one point.” One of the biggest skills to learn in volleyball is to move on to the next play. I have had countless coaches tell me this. I will carry this with me as it helps remind me that no point, set, or even game defines me as a player or person.
What advice do you have for younger players?
My advice for younger players is to be open to trying new things as many coaches have your best interest in mind. I also think that it is important for younger players to learn that it is okay to make a mistake. No one is perfect and learning from mistakes is the only way to get better.
What are you most excited about next year playing for the UMD Bulldogs?
One of the things that immediately drew me to Duluth was their performance in their very competitive conference and high national rank. I knew I wanted to play volleyball at a high-achieving school that had goals of winning a national championship. I am excited to play in an atmosphere that is similar to the one here at Hamilton.
Is there anyone you’d like to give a positive shout out to who has been instrumental in your journey?
My high school coach Traci Buhr for believing in me and always pushing me to my potential.
All of my Milwaukee Sting coaches who have helped me get to where I am today.
Most importantly, my parents Sandra and Matt who have helped me through everything.
