By Chris Cox

After two straight state tournament runs and a state championship last year, Sapulpa was looking to replace several key players and key voices. As a senior, Sapulpa guard Brooklyn Berry knew she and her classmates needed to step up and be leaders on and off the court. 

“As seniors we have to be the leaders on the court,” she says. “Our team is very young and is still growing as a team. As seniors we have to make sure that we’re helping and showing leadership on and off the court.”

Stepping into a leadership role on the court is new for Berry but she says she feels empowered by coach Darlean Calip to speak up and lead. 

Beyond leadership, Berry believes coach Calip has helped her become a better person on and off the court.

“She’s always making sure that we have good grades, good morals, and show good character throughout the school,” Berry says. “You see other basketball teams with a girl that backtalks a ref or throws a fit, but coach has always told us to keep that to ourselves and look classy. She’s really helped me to build my character and has told me many things that have helped me in my life. I am very thankful for her.”

Outside of basketball, Berry stays busy with dance. She is a four-year member of the Sapulpa High School Ping Pings and competitively dances outside of school as well. While she loves basketball and all that it’s taught her, Berry says she’s probably more of a dancer than a basketball player.

“I love both,” she says. “But for my future, I’m currently trying out for OU Pom. So, I do think I’m more of a dancer, but I do love basketball and all that it’s given me. I love playing out there and I would never change anything about what I’ve done.”

Following graduation, Berry plans on attending the University of Oklahoma, dancing on the OU Pom Squad, and majoring in business.