Brooke to WDSC in Brazil

Hi, I am Brooke!  I am 14 and an eighth grader at Bloomfield Hills Middle School in Michigan.  My parents tell me that I have always loved the water (maybe because my dad wanted to name me Brooke Trout but had to settle for Brooke E).  In fact, my first steps were at a waterpark trying to reach the little fountains that shoot out of the floor.  When I was 8, I was inspired by the Olympic swimmers so my parents signed me up for swimming lessons.  I joined Motor City Aquatics when I was 10 and have found that swimming is truly my passion.  I also swim on a summer club with Woodside Athletic Club.  I have been blessed with amazing coaches who really believed in me, even when I wasn't a very good swimmer.  They pushed me then, and they continue to push me today to be the very best that I can be.  

 My audiologist told me about Molly Likins being on the Deaflympic team.  This helped me focus my goals to make the Deaf Team USA.  I still love the water and swimming, but have discovered how fun it is to achieve personal bests and then try to reach the next goal.

I was born deaf, but have had amazing family and teachers who haven't let that limit me.  I do work harder than some of my friends to understand language and the world around me, but feel that this has taught me valuable skills and dedication that will pay off both in the pool and in life.   

I am thrilled to get to represent the United States along with my 15 other teammates in Brazil this summer.  I want to be an inspiration to other kids, both deaf and hearing, to show them that it is OK to dream big and that hard work really does pay off.

Thank you for your donation to help myself and my team travel to and compete at the World level!  Your support not only helps with my travel expenses, but more importantly shows me how many people care and are cheering for me!