Great athletes know what it means to work hard. They know it’s more than just setting goals but surpassing those goals. They are always ready to meet each challenge head on and are always ready physically, mentally and emotionally. Meet “great athlete” Daija Middlebrook, a 5’6″ SG/PG of Brownsburg High School in Brownsburg, Indiana. Daija has been playing basketball since she was about 10-years-old and although she says she struggles with her confidence at times, her defensive style on the ball and mentality to compete are her biggest strengths.
Just like the Wide Receiver is a notable position in football, the shooting guard is the glamour position in basketball. It’s one that can help lead a team to a championship. A championship is exactly what Daija and her teammates are striving for. “Personally my goal for the season is the leave my heart on the floor every game. I want to be the top defensive player and make the new record for charges taken. For my team I hope that we will be able to come together to not only win county, but also conference.”
Daija has learned a lot since her freshman debut at Brownsburg. She plays an unselfish type of basketball and keeping her teammates happy is very important to her. “I strongly believe in playing for and being a part of the team. I’ve learned to take more risks , become more aware of the court and hold the team above my personal wants. Ultimately I’ve learned that I like working for something greater than myself with people who have the same mentality,” says Daija.
According to Daija, her success has been like a journey because she has been able to transform as a student, athlete, and as a person. “I have become stronger and more confident with how I carry myself as well as communicating with other whether it be my friends or coaches.”
College is on this senior’s radar and she hopes to continue her athletic journey as well. “I aspire to go to a university where I will be afforded both an academic and athletic opportunity that will provide me the platform to become a Speech Pathologist, and hopefully build my own practice. I want to help and serve others the best way I can.”
We’ll be watching as Daija and the Brownsburg Bulldogs heat up the court this coming October.
| Dominant Hand | FT % | PPG | RPG | APG |
| RIGHT | 75-80 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
