Show Me the Ozarks August 2022

Brylee Stickland Meet JHS’s newest AAU Junior Olympics Athlete and Undefeated Track Star

Age: 14 Grade: 9th Grade School: Joplin High School

B rylee Strickland has loved being active all her life. She has participated in local kids’ runs since the age of five and has been playing basketball since she was in 2nd grade. In 7th grade, she found her next passion: track and field. She has been able to qualify two years in a row to go to the AAU Junior Olympics. Last year’s track season, she went

“The thing I love about both sports is just getting the chance to meet new people, compete and make memories while having fun with my teammates.” – Brylee Strickland

undefeated in the 100, 200, 400 and the 4x4. Now, as an incoming freshman at Joplin High

August 2022 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 65 Outside of sports, I love just spending time with my family and friends, and making memories each and every day. I also love the water and the lake! been there for me as well as all the other athletes. Without him, I don’t think I would be where I am. What are your plans for high school athletics? My plans for my high school athletics are to just go out there and try my best and have fun. I also am excited to make new friends and set new personal goals and records. When it comes to athletics, what is a great piece of advice you’ve received from a coach, mentor or parent? A piece of advice I’ve been told is: “Whatever you put into a sport is what you’ll get out.” Also, sports are something you have to be dedicated to because they are time consuming, so you’ll have to put plans off to hang out with your friends so you can put in the hard work needed to hit your goal. The reward from that sacrifice is becoming stronger in your sport and gaining confidence. Tell us a little bit about your life outside of sports. What do you like to do in your free time?

School, Brylee has set her sights on achieving new goals and breaking new personal records as an athlete. Watch out, JHS! What’s your favorite sport? What do you enjoy most about it? This is a hard question because I like both sports, but on different levels! Currently, I have put so much time, dedication and tears into track that I’m enjoying it and excelling in it. But basketball offers me a different set of challenges and goals to hit. The thing I love about both sports is just getting the chance to meet new people, compete and

make memories while having fun with my teammates. Please tell us about the TYP Elite Track Club.

This track club was just started this year. I would say it’s one of the best track clubs out there. TYP is an amazing part of my life. They’re like a second family to me. We make the best memories with one another. And, I want to give a big thank you to Coach Desmond. He’s