Story and photo by Brian McKim
On Thursday afternoon, June 24, Community Medical Center was proud to host former All-American Nebraska volleyball player Brooke Delano at Classic Club 8 Golf Course. Delano met with around 50 local volleyball players and coaches at the event. Speaking to players from both Falls City High School and Falls City Sacred Heart, Delano brought her message of hard work and passion for the sport she loved while also setting goals in life.
The event was set up with the help of volleyball director of operations Lindsay Peterson and Linda Santo from CMC. Peterson, the former Lindsay Wischmeier, led Lewiston to two Class D-2 state championships in 1995 and 1997. Delano said that Peterson connected her with Linda and that she was very grateful to meet the girls and to get the opportunity to talk with them.
In the past, former Nebraska football players have headlined the star-studded event. Santo had hoped to bring in Husker volleyball players last year, but obviously, the event had to be canceled due to COVID. This year, she hoped to continue with women’s empowerment, so she reached out to UNL and got the ball rolling.
Delano was an All-American in 2010 and was named first-team All-Big 12 while being co-captain on the Huskers 2010 squad. Even though it has been ten years since she last took the court for Coach John Cook, she still represents the University and team by giving talks to youth and helping with camps.
While in high school, Brooke’s true love was basketball. Initially, Delano thought she would play basketball for Iowa St; but decided to choose Nebraska volleyball. Delano didn’t begin to play volleyball until her freshman year of high school at Bellevue West. By committing to play volleyball at UNL, Delano chose to be part of a program that still impacts her life.
Throughout her talk, Delano gave some insight on how to gel and become better players and teammates. Getting into the right mindset was high on her list of to-dos.
“When you step into a gym, you get into your own meditation; you get into the right mindset. That’s the difference between good and great players and good and great teams.”
While at UNL, her teams set goals every season. Committing to a common purpose, going for every ball with an all-out effort. Looking each other in the eyes when communicating was significant as well; it grows respect. Also, Coach Cook emphasized to the athletes that they must make great decisions off the court in order to make them on the court.
“How you do anything is how you do everything,” stressed Delano.
She also told the girls to play as a team; it’s incredible how much you can accomplish when it doesn’t matter who gets the credit. Stats and awards don’t measure your value to the team.
Delano also brought along a dream board that she was in the process of making. Brooke said the panels help her stay focused and keep her from being distracted, making one every year since her time at Nebraska. Her current board will include:
Learning every chapter in the bible.
Teaching her dogs five new tricks.
Passing her real estate test and getting her five-year-old daughter Vivian ready for kindergarten.
“I need something in front of me reminded me and telling me what to do, or I’d be lost.”
She offered advice to the youth on what their boards could look like. Delano stated that it should be something that you want to put into action. She encouraged the girls to be selfish while making the boards, “make it about you.” It can include areas in your life that you want to work on; it doesn’t have to be just about sports.
Delano told the youth that athletes are creatures of habit. You teach your body to do something physically without even thinking about it. So every minor detail and interaction will help your team succeed.
Her final advice for the crowd was to show up wholeheartedly and go all-out. Set realistic goals and get on the same page before practice begins.
“When things are tough, stay true to yourself, be a kid, dream big, be authentically you and do all things with intention,” stated Delano. “Live in the moment.”
This was the tenth year for the Community Medical Center to host the Golf Fore Good Health Tournament.
Unfortunately, due to inclement weather, the Thursday evening Meet and Greet Fish fry was just that and no program was held and the Friday four-person scramble at Classic Club 8 Golf Course had to be canceled.
“We were in the basement of the club house for part of the night with the tornado warning. Everyone was able to eat, but there was no program. We did have Johnny “The Jet” Rodgers, Tommie Frazier and Clester Johnson there. They visited with the everyone and had pictures taken,” stated Linda Santo, event coordinator. “We will plan a fall fest golf outing hopefully in September.”
SNC was this year’s title sponsor for the event and Ed and Sandra Hartman were the celebrity host sponsors.
