By Murray Gleffe
Correspondent
Name: Brooklyn Onell
Nickname: B, Big Thunder
Parents: Kelli and Cory
Activity: Girls’ volleyball
Brooklyn Onell is a senior at Notre Dame Academy on the girls’ volleyball team.
She made first-team all-conference as a junior and won the most improved player as a sophomore.
Onell said Luxemburg-Casco is the toughest opponent the team has faced through her varsity years.
What do you attribute to the team’s success?
“Our team has a knack for stepping up in big conference and playoff games and rising to the occasion.”
Talk about how sports revolve around Notre Dame.
“It’s a little different for me because I didn’t grow up here like the majority of people at Notre Dame. I have experienced the tightness of this year’s team and have seen other teams’ closeness as well. To have this type of connection makes playing lots easier, no matter the sport.”
Talk about your head coach Ben Wolf.
“Ben is one of the most energetic and enthusiastic coaches you’ll see on the sidelines. The energy he brings to the team is contagious. He jumps higher when cheering than any of us do when playing. Our assistant coach, Denise, balances out the team and remains calm when nobody else is.”
If you could be somebody for a day, who would it be?
“Phoebe from ‘Friends’ because she seems to enjoy life to the fullest and not care what anyone thinks.”
Celebrity crush?
“Jacob Elordi.”
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
“I used to live in Canada. Also, I didn’t start playing volleyball until the eighth-grade, and that was to make friends when we moved.”
Do you have a ritual before a game?
“Before every home game, we eat at Big Apple Bagels. Once we get back to the locker room, we have a dance party.”
An ace or diving dig to save a point?
“An ace because it scores a point right away, and it erodes the opposing team’s confidence.”
In terms of atmosphere, what’s the best volleyball game you’ve played in?
“Our sectional game in 2019 against Luxemburg-Casco in their old gym.”
City or state you plan on living in after college?
“Chicago or somewhere warm like Florida.”
What four words describe you?
“Honest, trustworthy, energetic, passionate.”
The coast or the mountains?
“The coast.”
If you didn’t play volleyball, what other sport could you have excelled in?
“Maybe tennis. When I was little, I used to play, and I wasn’t too bad for my age.”
How do you want to be remembered at Notre Dame?
“As somebody willing to do anything for the team and a hardworking student-athlete.”
Favorite sound of spring?
“I’m not a big fan of spring because I am allergic to almost everything outside, but if I had to pick, it would be the sound of the birds.”
Do you have plans to continue playing volleyball after high school?
“I’m planning on playing after high school, but COVID-19 has interrupted my campus visits and ID camps, so I’m keeping my options open.”
Iced tea or lemonade?
“Lemonade.”
What are three cities you’d love to visit?
“New York, Los Angeles, Paris.”
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
“Living in Chicago and working in the police department’s special investigations unit.”
Favorites
Food: Chipotle
Subject in school: Public performance
Current Netflix movie: “Just Go With It” or “Murder Mystery”
Vehicle: Jeep Wrangler