East County Athlete of the Week: Bre Brown

Bre Brown is a junior outside hitter on The Out-of-Door Academy volleyball team. She had 26 kills, 23 digs and two aces across three matches from Oct. 8-12. 

When did you start playing volleyball?

Five years ago. Most girls were doing dance at the time. I was athletic, but I didn't know what I wanted to do. My friend Hannah Krzysiak started playing volleyball, so I tried that and liked it. 

What is the appeal to you?

I like team sports in general, but other sports are not as "close" as volleyball. We play on a 900 square foot surface. It's incredible how off-the-court friendships can have an impact on the court. That bond helps in big games. 

What is your best skill?

Physically, I used to say it was hitting, but now I like defense more. Coach (Stefanie) Betz says defense is a competition between you and the hitter. It's fun to get kills, but getting off a good pass or dig, that's an unparalleled feeling. 

What is your favorite memory?

Recently, it was the match against Cardinal Mooney High (Oct. 11). They have a lot of talent. Sometimes we have trouble getting ready for big games. We get nervous or anxious. This game, we played really well. Even though we lost (3-1), we all walked off the court with smiles on our faces. 

What has been your biggest challenge?

Myself, honestly. I'm hard on myself and it's hard to get over. I try not to let my frustrations become visible, but sometimes they come out. Coach Betz has helped me a lot to handle being an emotional teenage girl. When I was younger, I was such a hothead. She's taught me a lot about having a great attitude and being a better teammate. I don't want to be that person people point to as a bad teammate. 

What is your favorite TV show?

"Friends" or "The Office." My mom (Maryann Brown) and I watch "The Office" together all the time.

What is your dream vacation?

I want to go to Italy. They like fatty foods over there. I love pasta and pizza and all that, but never had the real deal. Plus it's pretty and everyone rides around on mopeds. It's cool.

What is your favorite subject?

English. Betz is my English teacher, too, in AP English. I like writing, and we have conversations about controversial topics that we can't have elsewhere. Everyone is from a different walk of life and I like hearing the different perspectives. 

What is the best advice you have received?

Do what you love and love what you do. My mom is big on having a positive attitude in life and she says that a lot.

Finish this sentence: Bre Brown is ...

... Undefinable? I don't ever want to fall into one category.