Player Profile: BROOKE CALHOUN

Today we have the pleasure of profiling a top defensive specialist prospect from Tennessee. Through our interview process we discovered that on top of a strong skill set, she has a tenacious drive to succeed and always be the best player that she can be.

You will note that she has sparkling references from her coaches and team mates exemplifying the impression that she has made upon those individuals. Brooke has yet to hit her ceiling as a player and is always looking to improve her skills. She will be an asset to any team and a joy to coach. We hope you enjoy her profile.

SFVR: Why do you want to play Volleyball Collegiately?
CALHOUN: First and foremost I want to get an education. That is very important to me. Volleyball is a sport that I love and I enjoy playing, so why not keep playing while I get my college education! If college coaches feel that I have the ability to play at the next level then I want accept that challenge and give it 100%. However If something happens and I can’t play while I attend college then I would be looking for pick up games or teams at the YMCA to play for just because I love playing it. So no matter what happens I am going to keep playing. I would just like to challenge myself to compete at the college level.

SFVR: What Position do you think you would excell at the next level?
CALHOUN: Defensive Specialist and or Libero! That’s the part of the game I enjoy the most and I have focused my skills at. When I was younger I had a former college DS coach and teach me all the finer points about that position and from that time on I have loved playing defense. I LOVE making a good pass or hitting the floor to make a dig. I can play and have played setter in the past but without a doubt my future is as DS/ Libero.

SFVR: What are your expectations for your Junior year of High School?
CALHOUN:I want to HELP lead my team to the State tournament. My school has never played at the state level and we got so close my freshmen year by making it to sub-state. So my goal is to be a good caption and help lead us to state. Because we are a small school and we have a small team I have to play OH which is not my best position. But I will give it my best and do whatever I can to help us win.

SFVR: What are you looking to do to become a better player?
CALHOUN: I have plans to work out with a trainer three days a week once school ball ends and until club ball starts. My goal is to become faster and a little stronger. Our club just joined up with a former volleyball trainer from up north and I have meet with her about what all we can do to get myself better before my senior year. Also my club team has very high expectations for this coming season so I want to be in the best shape I can be for that as well. I would also like to find some camps that focus on Defense that I could attend and receive more coaching.

SFVR: Tell us about your love for the game and your desire to become a better player.
CALHOUN: I am extremely competitive and want to be the best player I can be. I love to practice and learn more about the game. I enjoy playing for coaches who take it very serious and want to teach you the right way to play. I also enjoy playing against the best teams as playing against the best makes you better. Volleyball was the sport that just clicked for me back when I was trying different sports, so I just fell in love with it. I could play everyday and it’s hard to find me without a ball close to me.

SFVR: What does the word Coachable mean to you?
CALHOUN: That you are a player who listens to their coach and does exactly what they ask you to do. A player who can take coaching and then put it to use out on the court.

Player Profile:

Brooke Calhoun 5' 6"
Grace Baptist Academy Junior, DS/Libero
Chatanooga TN. Coached by: Shana Ivarson
Year of Graduation: 2011

2008 Sophomore Stats: 346 Digs, 66 Kills.

Standing Reach:82.5”; Jump/Block Reach:101.5”; Approach Reach:107.5”

Coaches Comments:

Shana Ivarson, Head Coach Grace Baptist Academy: “Brooke is one of the most coachable players I have coached. She is self motivated, hardworking and very disciplined. She is versatile as a hitter, a setter, and a libero. Her strongest of the three is a defensive specialist. Brooke is quick and is great at reading the hitters. She is a player that every coach loves to have because of her work ethic and great attitude.“

Sarah Lail Head Coach 15-1 Cho Cho City Volleyball Club “Heart, drive, determination, and desire, are just a few words that come to mind when talking about Brooke Calhoun. Brooke’s dedication to continuous improvement along with her positive attitude has strengthened her game and made her into a defensive force. Brooke’s “nothing hits the floor on my side” attitude is something a coach and her teammates can count on when she is on the court. I have had the honor of coaching Brooke and I would highly recommend her as an addition to your program.

Coach Bryan Bramlett 16-1 team last year which won the Silver Bracket at the JVDA Nationals in Louisville, KY. can also be contacted via the Report.



Experience:
Surgoinsville Middle School, TN.
Kingsport Middle School Kingsport, TN.
Kingsport Volleyball Club, Kingsport, TN.
Loftis Middle School Hixson, TN.
Grace Baptist Academy Chattanooga TN.
Choo Choo City Volleyball Club Chattanooga, TN.

Awards:*2007 and 2008 won awards at the University of Tennessee Summer Camps.
*2008 Brooke's Sophomore year she was All District 5 Honorable Mention and then went on to win District 5 All Tournament Team.
*2009 High School Team Captain as a Junior.

Major to be studied: Psychology and or Pre-med
GPA in High School: 3.9
Hobbies / Activities: Class President, Yearbook editor, beta club
Jogs and exercises regularly.
Favorite Food: Steak, Cheese, Ice-cream
Favorite Band: 3oh!3
Favorite Vacation: Traveling to the beach or to an Amusement Park.



We Wish Brooke the very best and we know that the sky is the limit for this young lady.