Entering her final seasons of varsity basketball and lacrosse, senior Brooke Mazzei aims to lead her teams to success one final time. Throughout her Lynbrook varsity sports career, Mazzei has proven herself as both a leader and an asset to every team she has been a part of.
Growing up with an athletic older sister, Mazzei was exposed to basketball at a young age. She recalls attending her older sister’s Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) basketball practices in first grade and quickly falling in love with the sport. Mazzei began playing lacrosse in fourth grade. “I remember being nervous because everyone [else] had already been playing for a couple years,” she recalled. Yet, through practice and using her athleticism, Mazzei quickly realized her love for the sport and began to dominate.
Being a multisport athlete, Mazzei has garnered the ability to use a wide range of athletic skills to help her succeed. Mazzei explained: “I think being a multisport athlete helps me so much; the skills I learn from [one sport] translate directly [to another], especially because basketball and lacrosse are very similar.” Mazzei did not hesitate to acknowledge these similarities: “I often find myself during basketball thinking, ‘Oh, this is similar to how I do it in lacrosse’ and vice versa.” The parallels between the two sports help her with “[beating] a defender, cutting, and defensive position,” in particular. Varsity lacrosse head coach Joseph LaBarbera also highlighted Mazzei’s ability to do this: “Her understanding of the game and ability to read situations quickly not only gives her an edge, but also helps her set up her teammates for success.”
Looking back, Mazzei has countless memories playing sports that she cherishes dearly. However, playing basketball and lacrosse with her best friends during elementary and middle school holds a special place in her heart. As Mazzei progressed in her athletic career, she began playing on various travel teams, and there she made her best memories. She fondly recounts how “some of the best memories were made at those tournaments in the hotels and at dinners.”
When asked about Mazzei’s impact on the court, head girl’s varsity basketball coach Koren Pena had a lot of positive things to say: “Brooke has been nothing but a leader from the time she arrived as a freshman. Her work ethic is incredible… She raises the bar at practice and demonstrates this consistently. She is disciplined and self-driven.” Pena also praised Mazzei’s ability to be an “excellent supporter of her teammates.” Pena added, “Even when she’s not in games, she can be heard from the sideline cheering her teammates on and encouraging them to do their best.”
LaBarbera also commented on Mazzei’s growth as he has coached her these past two years. He highlighted her ability to slow down the game and how she is always “a step ahead of her opponents,” which “comes from her experience.” Not only has she grown as an athlete, but she has also grown as a person. “Brooke has grown in confidence and maturity. She has developed a sense of responsibility as a leader, not just for herself but for the team as a whole. Her positive attitude and focus on team success above individual accolades have truly elevated her both on and off the field,” adds LaBarbera.
Mazzei emphasized that her success in her athletic career would not have been without support from those around her. “My biggest supporters are definitely my family and closest friends. They are always reaching out asking when my next games and events are. And they do the same after a game, whether it’s congratulating me on a win, or reassuring and supporting me after a loss.” She further feels that her supporters love and bolster her no matter the outcome of a game, which she greatly appreciates.
When asked about her biggest piece of advice for younger players, Mazzei had this to say: “My biggest [piece of] advice for younger players is to really make sure you are enjoying what you are doing. And if you truly have a passion for the sport you are playing, make sure you work your hardest day in and day out to become the best player you can.” Mazzei also stressed the importance of realizing that being an athlete does not define you as a person: “You are more than your sport, and there is so much more to you as a person than how you perform athletically. Although sometimes it may feel like you are consumed by your sport, always remember you are more than that.”
Mazzei has also received significant support from her teammates, who admire the passion she brings to her sports. “Brooke is an amazing captain whose character inspires everyone on our team. She motivates everyone to work hard while also bringing good vibes to practices…and [she] keeps everyone laughing,” explained junior Payton Stalter, and fellow varsity lacrosse teammate. Moreover, Stalter is extremely grateful to have Mazzei as her mentor; whether helping her with a drill or any confusion she has, Mazzei is always there to help. Junior Jessie Vuotto also reflected on Mazzei’s impact on her as a mentor: “Having someone like Brooke as a role model has been so beneficial throughout the years playing with her on varsity basketball.” Vuotto also admires Mazzei’s emphasis on the importance of giving it her all while playing, helping her to improve her game.
Mazzei is committed to play Division I lacrosse at Temple University in the fall, and she is excited for whatever the future holds. One thing is sure: she will be deeply missed by her coaches and teammates at LHS. “She is driven to win but extremely unselfish in her play, and that’s what makes her an invaluable player and so critical to our success,” Pena beamed. “I will miss her tremendously next year,” Pena added.
