HONORING MY DAD’S MEMORY

By: Brooke Thompson

Champions' TriBUne is a special feature through Baylor Athletics that gives you the student-athlete's perspective and the chance for them to share their own story. Brooke Thompson, a senior pre-med major from Oklahoma City, was a two-time state champion in singles and helped Heritage Hall to the Class 5A team state championship as a freshman in 2018. More of a doubles specialist at Baylor, she had a combined 15-18 record in doubles as a sophomore, including 7-5 in the Big 12 with Alina Shcherbinina at the No. 3 spot. Brooke's father, Brooks Thompson, played basketball at Oklahoma State and four years in the NBA and was the head coach at UTSA before dying of organ failure on June 9, 2016. The 22^nd-ranked Baylor women's tennis team (20-6) made its fifth-straight and 19th NCAA Tournament appearance under head coach Joey Scrivano, falling to Boise State, 4-3, in a first-round loss last weekend in Austin:

Reflecting on my time at Baylor, I recall the first moment I stepped onto campus. I was carrying the weight of a long journey — a love for tennis that had been tested by loss, change and time. Baylor didn't just offer me a team or a place to compete; it provided a second chance to fall in love with tennis, to grow, to heal, and to become the person I always aspired to be.

My Journey to Tennis

My tennis journey began at just 11 years old. Our household, led by my amazing parents, Brooks and Michelle, was filled with basketball and softball — my mom played softball at Oklahoma State, and my dad played basketball there before continuing to the NBA. Tennis entered our lives when they started participating in local tournaments together.

I vividly remember the evening my parents brought my older sister, Ryan, and me to the courts. From that moment, we both fell in love with the game. Being homeschooled, our days quickly became filled with learning how to play. My dad became not only my biggest supporter but also my coach. I cherished every second on court, hitting balls with Ryan while our parents taught us the sport we would grow to love.

One evening, my dad asked me to set a goal for my tennis journey. Without hesitation, I told him I wanted to play for a Division I school.

"Through it all, my dad's words have stayed with me: "In a world full of common people, be uncommon."" - Brooke Thompson

On June 9, 2016, everything changed. That day, I lost my dad—my biggest supporter—and my life would never be the same. At 13, I was too young to truly understand grief or how to move forward. Picking up a racket felt unbearable — a constant reminder of what I had lost.

But my mom, in her strength, encouraged me to play in a tournament that very same weekend — for him. And I did. Through it all, my dad's words have stayed with me:

"In a world full of common people, be uncommon."

After my dad's passing, we moved from San Antonio to Oklahoma to be closer to family. During the recruiting process, I never imagined I would end up back in Texas, but God always has a plan.

Following our move, my relationship with tennis changed. I hated it, honestly. Returning to school made tennis feel like an obligation — just something Ryan and I did after class because we felt we had to. Yet, deep down, the dream my dad and I had set together still lived in me.

Determined to honor his memory, I homeschooled for a year and a half during high school to train every day and chase that dream. Even though I was putting in the work, the joy and passion I once felt were missing.

It wasn't until I came to Baylor University that I truly found my love for tennis again. Here, I rediscovered the joy my dad first helped me find all those years ago.

"It wasn't until I came to Baylor University that I truly found my love for tennis again." - Brooke Thompson

My Journey to Baylor

When it came time to choose a university, I knew Baylor was known for its rigorous academics and outstanding athletics. I still remember the moment I received an email from Coach Joey Scrivano. I was sitting in one of my high school classes, and I could barely contain my excitement. It felt like a dream — one that I desperately hoped would come true. After just a few phone calls with Coach Joey, I knew without a doubt that I wanted to be part of the incredible program he had built.

Not only was I getting the chance to fulfill my dream of playing Division I tennis — I was getting to play for one of the best programs in the country. At Baylor, I found my love for tennis again. It has been more amazing than I ever imagined.

The journey has been anything but easy, but as I reflect on the incredible highs and challenging lows, every moment has been worth it. This program has shaped me into the woman I am today, and I am forever grateful.

After losing my dad, I knew deep in my heart that I wanted to pursue a career in medicine and dedicate my life to helping others. Balancing the demands of my pre-med coursework with the commitment required to compete at a high level was never easy… some might even say, uncommon, but I wouldn't trade a second of it.

"When I felt defeated after a difficult class or challenging match, my coaches and teammates were always there — lifting me back up and pushing me to be my best." - Brooke Thompson

I'm especially thankful for the coaches who supported both my academic and athletic passions, while also teaching me the value of a selfless commitment to the team and others. Their understanding and encouragement helped carry me through some of my toughest moments. When I felt defeated after a difficult class or challenging match, my coaches and teammates were always there — lifting me back up and pushing me to be my best. And I, in turn, strived to do the same for them in the spirit of our team motto "We Over Me."

This final year has been particularly special. The girls on this team have become my family. The love and support we share is something rare, and it's everything I could have hoped for during my last season as a Baylor Bear.

My Journey of Faith

Finally, I want to share how Baylor has helped me grow my relationship with God. Baylor's Christian mission is one of the major reasons I chose to come here, and looking back, I know without a doubt that God placed me here for a reason. From the moment I first stepped onto campus, I could feel His presence everywhere. The Christian community at Baylor has been a beautiful part of my journey, helping me grow closer to God every day.

Having coaches who share my faith is incredibly powerful. Being able to openly talk with them about my beliefs and lean on them for spiritual guidance is something truly special.

I believe God placed me here not only to deepen my own relationship with Him but also to be a disciple — to spread His love and His word, especially to my teammates.

"I knew without a doubt that I wanted to be part of the incredible program [Coach Scrivano] had built." - Brooke Thompson

Giving Thanks

I would love to take a moment to honor some of the people who have made this journey unforgettable.

Head Coach Joey Scrivano: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to play for you. You have truly helped me become not only a better tennis player, but also a better person. I look up to you and the values you hold in life. You have become like a father figure to me, and I'm grateful for the guidance you've provided both on and off the court.

Associate Head Coach Lenka Broosova: Thank you for always being there for me, no matter the day or time. What better way to learn this sport than from one of the best Baylor Bears to ever do it? The way you carry yourself — both on and off the court — and your unwavering faith in God are qualities I will always admire and look up to.

Assistant Coach Patricia Martins: You push us every day to be better and work harder. Thank you for your constant encouragement and your positive words. You've taught me the importance of confidence and the impact of self-talk. My journey here wouldn't be the same without you, and I'm so glad you joined Baylor during my sophomore year.

Director of Tennis Operations Jacqui Haddock: Thank you for everything you do for us. I'm so grateful for your hard work and dedication to our team.

Strength & Conditioning Coach Cole Durham: Thank you for pushing us to be stronger and faster. We couldn't have reached all our successes without you. I'll surely miss our tough sessions in the gym — especially on the field — but I'm thankful to have had you by our side for all four years here at Baylor.

Women's Tennis Team Chaplain Missy Maurer: I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me. You've helped me grow in the Word of God and have taught me so much. Thank you for guiding me in learning who God is and showing me how to share His word.

Finally, to my family — my mom, Michelle, and my stepdad, Zane, along with my two sisters, Ryan and Addi: I wouldn't be where I am today without you. Your unconditional love and support mean everything to me. Thank you for always pushing me to be my best. I'm so grateful for your unwavering support, not just in this chapter of my life but in the many more to come. You all mean the world to me, and I love you so much.

As I close this chapter, I know Baylor will always be part of me. It has been more than just a school or a team — it's been a home, a family and the foundation for everything I will become.

Thank you, Baylor Family, and Sic 'Em, Bears!

"[Baylor] has been a home, a family and the foundation for everything I will become." - Brooke Thompson

HONORING MY DAD’S MEMORY

Players Mentioned

Brooke Thompson

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HONORING MY DAD’S MEMORY

Players Mentioned

Brooke Thompson

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