Bees' senior Brooklyn Shupe setting big goals in final season

FAIRMONT — For most athletes taking part in their senior seasons, the excitement surrounding one final run at a state championship and the chance to make more lifelong memories is everything.

For East Fairmont dual-sport athlete Brooklyn Shupe, though, her senior year is about more than just making memories and chasing rings.

It’s about pouring every ounce of effort and energy she has into making this one her best yet.

Shupe, a member of both the Bees’ girls soccer and basketball teams, has returned this season to the pitch and the court after the season was cut short last year following an ACL injury.

In her eyes, the work she has put in to get back to being able to play the games she loves has been one of the toughest challenges she’s ever faced both mentally and physically.

“Coming off an injury like this one has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do,” Shupe said. “I don’t want to sugarcoat it. I had no idea the mental side that was a part of coming off of injuries like this one, and I think that’s what’s been so hard.”

“While I’m still not at 100 percent after a year, I’m working 10 times as hard as I ever have to come back stronger.”

Shupe says that she fell in love with soccer at a young age, and ultimately chose to play basketball after being convinced to join the team by one of her closest friends.

From there, her love and dedication for both sports has only grown stronger over the years.

“I got into soccer when I was four, and then one of my best friends convinced me to play basketball in 4th grade,” Shupe said. “I’ve been playing with the same five girls ever since.”

“Being a dual-sport athlete, especially at East Fairmont has honestly just been a part of my life forever, but I couldn’t imagine things any different. I love the business and the work that goes into both sports.”

Shupe, a huge part of East Fairmont’s run at a state championship in soccer last season, says that this year’s team is both excited and determined to strive for a chance to bring home a second straight title.

In her opinion, the work behind the scenes is what ultimately makes the difference in being able to contend for a title.

“We are extremely excited to attempt our run at another state title, and the girls are working so hard behind the scenes to get back,” Shupe said.

While winning certainly doesn’t hurt, Shupe’s favorite moments over the last four years have been somewhat simple — getting to build friendships with each of her teammates and go to battle with them on the field.

“I can’t pinpoint an exact memory over the last four years that is my favorite, but definitely my favorite part of soccer is the friendships it’s given me,” Shupe said. “We are all like sisters and I think that goes a long way on the field as well.”

With basketball season quickly approaching, Shupe says she’s more than ready to get back on the court after having to sit on the sidelines last year.

The ultimate goal? Bring home two rings in two separate sports to cap off what has been a dynamic high school athletic career.

“I am super excited for basketball season, especially after missing one due to my injury last year,” Shupe said. “I think winning a state title in two sports would be beyond amazing. It’s going to take just about everything we have.”

“Obviously, that’s the end goal, and I think every girl on the team is dialed in and ready to finally bring a ring home this year.”