Brooklynne Brass had to wait longer than expected to make her Benet debut.
The Minooka transfer was initially ruled ineligible by the Illinois High School Association, leading to weeks of frustration for her while the decision was appealed.
But Brass, a 5-foot-10 junior outside hitter who has committed to Maryland, got clearance to play from the IHSA on Friday, according to Benet coach Brad Baker.
“I’m excited that I was able to get cleared,” Brass said. “I’m just so thankful that it’s done.
“I really give thanks to God. I knew that he had a plan for me. I’m so grateful that everything worked out.”
So are the Redwings, who have 11 Division I recruits, four of whom have committed to Big Ten programs. They include senior libero Aniya Warren, an Indiana recruit who is thrilled to finally have Brass on the court with her.
“It’s amazing,” Warren said. “It is definitely a huge impact on the team, and it makes us better every single day.
“Even when she wasn’t playing, she made us better every single day in practice. She always had a smile on her face, and she just went after it.”
There were smiles all around when Brass made her Benet debut during the Wheaton Classic at Wheaton Warrenville South on Saturday and shined in all three matches.
Brass was spectacular in the tournament final, leading all players with 10 kills as the Redwings demolished Lincoln-Way East 25-16, 25-10.
“We’re happy for her to be able,” Benet coach Brad Baker said. “She’s a dynamic attacker, but she’s able to play six rotations and pass. She’s a really good player and a great kid.”
Benet (17-0) aims to be great, too, and win the Class 4A state title this season.
“So this is really just day one for this team playing together,” Baker said. “We need to continue to improve, and this team will.”
That’s a sobering thought for opponents looking to stop the Redwings, who returned most of their lineup after finishing second in 4A last year. Warren said they were a better team even before Brass became eligible.
“All of this success before this is truly because of her too,” Warren said. “We wouldn’t be where we are if she didn’t have the attitude the entire time while it was going on.
“So a lot of props and respect to her with the way she handled the situation. For her to come out and show out like she did today is great. She is amazing.”
Brass comes from an athletic family. She played with her two older sisters, Makenzie and Kennedi, during the previous two seasons at Minooka. Both graduated in the spring. Makenzie Brass plays basketball at Northern Illinois, and Kennedi Brass plays volleyball at Purdue Northwest.
Brooklynne Brass also has moved to a new school and a new environment.
“I’m so excited to be on this team,” she said. “The academics, everything is really great here. I’m enjoying school. I’m enjoying playing with the girls, so it was definitely an amazing move. I’m really happy.”
So are the Redwings, who are impressed with how Brass handled the situation. After the IHSA’s initial ruling the day before the regular season began, she was allowed to practice with the team but not play in games.
“If you ever talked to her throughout that situation, you would never know how frustrating it was,” Warren said. “She always kept a great attitude. You can ask coach or anyone on the team.
“She texted us, and she was like, ‘Guys, I’m ineligible. But don’t worry. I’m going to be with you guys every single step of the way.’ That takes guts. For you to handle that in that situation really shows maturity as a player and a person.”
Brass thinks equally highly of her new teammates.
“Going into a new school, you might be nervous, but these girls made it feel like home immediately,” she said. “The girls are amazing, and I’m just so happy to be a part of something that’s great.”
The Redwings were formidable on Saturday, sweeping Wheaton Warrenville South, Metea Valley and Lincoln-Way East with ease.
“I enjoyed every moment playing with the girls and knowing that they had my back, even if I hit it into the block,” Brass said. “I felt like we all just played as a team today, and I feel like that showed.”
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter.
