Upperman junior point guard Brooklyn Crouch took the next step in her basketball journey when she verbally committed to play at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
The talented guard is the starting PG for the undefeated Lady Bees and will play division 1 basketball at UTC.
“Throughout the recruiting process I’ve grown close with (UTC’s) coaches,” said Crouch. “It’s my style and how I play. I really like it.”
Crouch said UTC’s style of playing strong defense fits with her personal playstyle.
“The way I like to play is by playing really good defense,” said Crouch. “If your offensive game is off, you’ve got to have your defense and that will keep you in the game. I think (UTC) is the same way.”
UHS head coach Dana McWilliams said she knows Crouch will find success at UTC.
“Brooklyn’s a special player,” said McWilliams. “She keeps getting better and better. She’s such a great defender and ball handler. I think UTC is going to be a great fit for her. I’m excited for her. I’m excited for UTC. I think she’s going to do well.”
McWilliams went on to say Crouch’s work ethic is a key reason for her success.
“Brooklyn’s one of, if not the hardest workers I’ve ever coached,” said McWilliams. “She’s always in the gym. She goes hard every day. She’s really a joy to coach.”
Crouch, a three-year starter, said an increase in confidence has been a key in her development.
“(Confidence) is something I’ve really worked on over the summer,” said Crouch. “I’ve been working with a trainer, and he’s really improved my confidence. That’s been the really big change in my game. If you don’t have confidence, it’s going to be hard for you to really do anything.”
Crouch’s Lady Bees (15-0) will return to the court Friday when they take on Watertown. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. live on the UCR Facebook page.