WINDHAM, Maine — Sports can sometimes be a universal language.
When Brook Gerry moved from Casco to Windham before high school, there was no language or culture barrier. It can be tough for the "new kid" to assimilate into a new and bigger community.
But after stepping onto the softball diamond with her new teammates, friendships immediately formed, which made the transition easier.
For Gerry, softball has been her passion since she can remember.
“The feeling of the dirt, the sound of the bat, being able to pitch, it all kind of felt like a home from the beginning," she said.
The love for her favorite sport allowed Gerry to form friendships with other girls across the state and helped inspire the next generation of athletes across Maine.
Her high school career is over, but Gerry will forever be immortalized in her school's gymnasium.
She won the Gatorade Maine Softball Player of the Year award as a sophomore and as a junior. Those banners are hung near the Eagles 2023 Class A state championship banner.
Gerry also racked up several other individual accolades over her storied high school career, including winning the 2024 Miss Maine Softball award this week. Her biggest goal was to be named as an All-American, which came true after her junior season.
"I wanted to show people that a small town girl could achieve great things," Gerry said.
Like many younger athletes, a support system is crucial for success. Gerry said her parents were always there for her and her dreams and would drive her to practices, clinics, camps, or games nearly every day growing up and her extended family would loudly cheer her on during every pitch or every at-bat in high school.
“I’m so grateful and so lucky to have parents like them," she added. “They’re there to remind me that everything will be OK, and they’re always proud of me.”
While the Eagles fell short of another state championship this spring, Gerry will continue her softball career at the University of Rhode Island, a Division I program.
"I knew from the minute I stepped on campus, I knew that’s where I wanted to be. It’s somewhere where I know I can be myself and won’t be judged," she added.
Next fall, Gerry will also begin the next chapter of her academic career.
At Windham, she was involved in leadership positions in the National Honor Society and wants to stay in the sports world after graduation and will study to become and athletic trainer or sports physician.
The mark she left on the Maine softball community won't be soon forgotten, but Gerry hopes people remember her for her big heart and her strength.
NEWS CENTER Maine will be highlighting one student-athlete each month for the rest of the year. To nominate your favorite student-athlete for Varsity Club, please click here.