Brooke has been part of Girls Inc. for over a decade, starting in toddler gymnastics at just three years old. She’s tried a variety of programs like dance, Summer Camp, and Bold Futures Leadership, but gymnastics has always been her favorite. From recreational classes as a little girl to now being in her seventh year on the competitive team and volunteering as a junior coach, Brooke has shown steady dedication and personal growth throughout her time with Girls Inc.

She’s been enjoying her recently assumed role as a junior coach, assisting our head coach, Olivia, with recreational classes and younger team practices. “It’s like coaching a mini-you in a way. You’re helping somebody who wants to achieve a dream that you’re putting them on a path for.” When asked if she sees herself as a mentor, Brooke said, “In some ways [I do see myself] as a mentor to the little kids, but I still have a lot to learn. [Coach Olivia] is a good mentor to me. I think we all have something we can learn to become better.”

Although gymnastics has been her main focus, SSB Summer Camp is still a highlight for her. She laughed remembering some of the fun moments: “The handshakes we used to do, like ‘Lemonade,’ ‘Avocado,’ and ‘Tarzan’—all those have stuck with me! And the ‘Girls Inc. Cutie-Cutie Pie’ song is on repeat in my head all the time.” Beyond the fun, Brooke valued the structure and friendships she made: “I liked Girls Inc. camp more than any other camp that I went to because…there was always a plan on what to do, and it wasn’t crazy. You learned a bunch during camp while still having a lot of fun with all of your friends.”

Girls Inc. has helped Brooke grow in multiple ways—strong through gymnastics and self-safety programs, smart through her book club, and bold—feeling “comfortable in [her] own skin.” She also shared how the programs helped her navigate mental health challenges: “I suffered with depression in 7th and 8th grade. Even now, it’s still there in the back of my head, but it’s not as bad, because when I come here it’s like my escape—all my stress goes away. It helps me cope with whatever’s going on.”

Brooke sees Girls Inc. as a place of support and familiarity. “Wherever I go [at the Girls Inc. Center] it’s always a warm welcome.” Her teammates are part of that support, too. “I feel supported when I’m competing—I know I have a bunch of teammates on the sidelines always cheering for me. It’s very cute to see them do a little move from my routine when I’m on the floor.”

While she’s still growing, her progress over the years is clear. “I’ve definitely grown in the Girls Inc. community by being more open and having more confidence. When I was little, I really didn’t have that. And as I grew up, I realized that this is a safe space to be myself.” She’s also seen the program grow along with her: “The change [in me] feels natural because [I’ve been] here so long and progressing with the program. It’s fun to see how much it has grown from when I was little.”

Looking ahead, Brooke is excited to continue learning as a junior coach and gain experience toward her future career. “[It’s given] me a chance to start working on my dream job, which is being a gymnastics coach…and I hope (when I turn 16) to start working here. I want to stay part of the community because I feel like Girls Inc. is part of me in a way. It’s part of my everyday.”

Coming from a family of Girls Inc. alumnae, she’s always encouraging friends and family to join, and to anyone thinking about Girls Inc., she says, “Go—at least try—and you’ll be able to accomplish so many good things.