Record Newspapers Athlete of the Week: Brooke Spychalski, Yorkville, basketball, senior

Name: Brooke Spychalski

School: Yorkville, senior

Sport: Basketball

Why she was selected: Spychalski scored her 1,000th career point, with 20 points, five rebounds, three steals and three assists in an overtime win over T.F. North at the Grow the Game Showcase.

She was selected the Athlete of the Week in an online vote. Here is her interview with Sports Editor Joshua Welge.

Reaching 1,000 career points, what does it mean to you? Did you know that you were closing in on the milestone? How did you celebrate reaching it?

Spychalski: Since my sophomore year I’ve had the goal to reach 1,000 career points. It’s always been a dream of mine, so my mom and I created goals for every game. She would give me a certain amount of points to reach every game. Last year was really a breakout season for me and made it to where I needed nine points a game to reach 1,000 points. I hit it at a home game so [Yorkville] coach [Kim] Wensits called a timeout and we all celebrated. Signs were made and I got a ball. It felt really special and I appreciate the community that was there to support me.

How are you feeling about the season so far?

Spychalski: I feel like our season is going good but it can definitely be better. We are starting to string together more wins and are playing together well as a team. I started off the season a little rocky fighting through cold and flu season, but now I feel like I’m out of it. I feel that we will be successful for the second half of the season and finish strong!

Is there any aspect of your game you’ve really worked to improve on this year?

Spychalski: I’ve really been focusing on taking good shots and ones that will benefit the team. I’ve also been focusing on when to take shots and when to pass because sometimes I’m not aggressive enough and pass up wide open layups. Lastly I’ve been focusing on the defensive side because it will benefit me moving to the next level.

Do you know yet your plans beyond high school, athletically or academically?

Spychalski: Beyond high school I will be attending the University of Illinois Springfield to continue my athletic and academic career. I plan to major in biology because in the future I want to become a dentist.

Do you have a favorite sports team or athlete?

Spychalski: My favorite athlete is Caitlin Clark because of the way she shoots the ball and is the face of women sports. People compare me to her all the time!

What’s your favorite or toughest class in school?

Spychalski: My favorite class in school is my field experience class where I get to intern at a dental office. It gives me the opportunity to dive deeper into my future and advance me in my career.

What’s the best Christmas gift you received this year?

Spychalski: The best gift I received was Apple CarPlay for my car. I also got a lot of clothes and things for my dorm next year for college.

Favorite movie or TV show?

Spychalski: My favorite movie is “Monsters Inc.”