Alexa Bezpalko

Forward Sophomore

Lady Bears Soccer #99

How long have you been playing soccer?

I was 4 when I started.

What is your favorite memory of playing soccer at Brookhaven?

Winning nationals. That was a good feeling. Just being able to say we won a national title. We worked so hard all season to get there. We got to go to New York, have experiences with our friends, and we get to look back and be like, “Wow we’re actually national champions.” It’s a really cool memory.

Balin Valentine

Centerfield Sophomore

Bears Baseball #23

How long have you been playing baseball?

I’ve been playing since I was about 4. I played T-Ball with my sister actually.

What is your favorite part of playing baseball?

What I love the most about baseball is what it reveals in people because, like my teammate Ray once said, “In a sport where you fail seven out of 10 times, you really see what people are about and what their physical and mental toughness is.” You really get to see who works the hardest and who wants it the most.

What is your favorite memory of playing baseball?

For me, probably in high school baseball, in the playoffs where we played Aledo in the regional finals. That was really fun. We went into extras and we ended up losing the game but it was one of the best games I’ve ever been part of and the most competitive.

Ivy Jimenez

Defender Sophomore

Lady Bears Soccer #9

How long have you been playing soccer?

Since I was 4 years old.

What is your favorite part of playing soccer?

All of the people that you meet and it definitely keeps you disciplined not just on the field but as a student as well.

What is your favorite memory of playing soccer?

My favorite memory was when I committed to Brookhaven with my friends and family. Being able to continue my passion at Brookhaven was one of my greatest achievements.

Jacob Vela

Sophomore Outfielder

Bears Baseball #22

How long have you been playing baseball?

I’ve been playing since I was 3 years old, so 18 years.

What is your favorite part of playing baseball?

I just love being out here with the guys, the relationships you have with the guys and the coaches. It’s just great being out here and getting away from everything outside of baseball.

What is your favorite memory of playing baseball?

One of the first home runs I hit, I was about 6 years old, and my pops caught it in the outfield and I was so happy when I saw him catch it.

Allison Kolba

Forward Freshman

Lady Bears Soccer #12

How long have you been playing soccer?

About 14 years.

What is your favorite memory of playing soccer?

My favorite memory of all time was going to New York for the national title with my team. Getting to spend a week with my teammates, making memories and the whole experience all together.