Show Me the Ozarks August 2022

Back to School SMTO

Brynn Driver This JHS Senior is the 2022 Breakout Track Athlete of the Year and NXT Level Girls Basketball Player of the Year

Age: 17 Grade: 12th Grade School: Joplin High School

B rynn Driver is a three time Iron Eagle at Joplin High School, meaning she is a powerhouse athlete who competes in three sports during the school year. Brynn loves basketball, track and field, and tennis. She’s been playing basketball the longest – ever since she was in kindergarten. Last year, for track and field, she was a state qualifier in the 400m dash and 4x200m relay and named the Breakout Track Athlete of the Year. In basketball, she was the 2022 NXT Level Girls Basketball Player of the Year. In tennis, she’s a three-time all-academic team member and two-time letter winner. These awards and accolades are just the tip of the iceberg – she’s also got a 4.0 GPA. This girl is on fire! What’s your favorite sport? What do you enjoy most about it? It’s hard to pick just one. I enjoy different aspects of each sport, but what I love most is just being around all my coaches and teammates. I like having a nice mix of playing indoor and outdoor sports. I love the head-to head competition running in individual races, but I also love the camaraderie of being a part of my basketball team, track relays and tennis doubles. Do you have any plans for college athletics? I am currently undecided, but I have always thought it would be cool to be a college athlete. Since I was little, I have always

wanted to attend the University of Kansas. I have to figure this out pretty soon! When it comes to sports, what is a great piece of advice you’ve received from a coach, mentor or parent? In middle school, I will never forget running the 1600m. I was feeling good in the race and knew I might P.R., but there was competition at my back on the final lap. I heard my coach, Coach Peters, yell at me, “Run with your heart!” I finished that race in first with a new P.R. I think anytime you put your heart into anything you do, you will be successful. Tell us a little bit about your life outside of sports. Do you have any siblings? Pets? Other hobbies and interests? I have a little sister Jane (7) and a little brother Wilson (4). I have two dogs, Dexter and Rudy. “I think anytime you put your heart into anything you do, you will be successful.” – Brynn Driver

I am an ice cream connoisseur. I love spending time with my family and friends. I recently got my driver’s license last fall. I like to drive around town, mostly, to go on ice-cream runs with my friends. Another interesting fact about me is that I am a Joplin tornado survivor. I was in kindergarten at the time. My dad and I were buried in rubble but fortunately came out of it with only cuts and bruises.

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