(Youth1) - Known as, “The Bulldog,” this 13-year-old Rising Star is a multi-threat, both on and off the field. Playing since the age of seven, Brooke Steiner truly is a team player who loves the game of softball. 

In addition to pitching, this Lincoln, Nebraska native plays right, left and center field, second base, shortstop and utility for the 13U Nebraska Nemesis 98’s. Having the ability to play multiple positions extremely well at such a high level of play really makes her stand out. A huge part of Brooke’s success on the mound is in part to her ability of not allowing herself to become rattled when falling behind in the count, as well as not becoming overconfident when she’s ahead.

Also playing a part in her success, is her resilience and perhaps another reason she’s known as “The Bulldog.” This Rising Star truly is Fearless. When a potentially fatal injury occurred where most athletes put in the same situation wouldn’t want to come back, Brooke returned to action just a week later. While on the mound during a USSSA State Tournament, Brooke took a direct line drive to the face, where she laid motionless and took about five minutes to get back up. Wanting to be there for her team, Brooke watched from the dugout while waiting for the ambulance to arrive before passing out. The devastating blow to the face had broken her nose and both of her eye orbits. After a week of pain and recovery, and not wanting to miss the Cat Osterman Experience with her team, she was cleared to participate in the COE parade, and play a little outfield. In much surprise and admiration, Brooke ended up only missing one game, and stepped back into the mound a game later, back to her normal self.

Brooke truly enjoys being part of the team and is grateful to her teammates and coaches. While  she xcels on the softball field, she also excels on the soccer field and in the classroom. Brooke plays right wing for “The Kroo” YMCA Spirit Soccer Team, and has a GPA of 3.9. Her academic achievements include being nominated for the Washington DC 2011 Leadership Program, and being awarded the Champs Award-School Middle School 2011. She also has a passion for history, creating websites, photography and graphic design. She enjoys watching softball when she not playing, and cheers for the Arizona State Sun Devils, The Chicago Bandits, Team USA, and of course, her sister McKenzie’s 10U team, Nebraska Nemisis 01.

Brooke’s team, Nebraska Nemesis 98s have been successfully ranked as one of top teams in their age divisions in the state of Nebraska, in the region (region 5), and in the nation according to USSSA for the past 6 years. The team is currently ranked No.1 in USSSA power ratings in Nebraska, No.3 Region 5, and No.25 in the nation. Brooke’s 2011 team achievements include championship wins at the U12 ASA Anderson Memorial Classic, U12 USSSA Class A State, U12 Snowball Fling Class A Champions, U12 Metro ASA State Champions, and U12 Spring Fling Class A Champions. In 2010, Brooke’s team finished in the top 10 at the U12 USSSA World Series. Other accomplishments included breaking ground at the Cat Osterman Experience, and being inducted into the Softball Hall of Fame.

“Brooke is an outstanding player who elevates her team through her poise and consistency. She is a model of diligence and commitment, always giving 100% to her team, said” head coach, Beth Singleton. 

Individual Accomplishments
- Pitched in the 2011 All-American All-Star Game Colorado Sparkler in 2011
- Received an invitation to the U14 USSSA New York All Star Showcase as a 12-year-old
- Made the North Star Freshman State roster as an 8^th grader

Individual Awards
- Oklahoma City Triple Crown Sports MVP
- MVP at the Aloha Invite in 2011
- Accumulation of 5 additional Coach select MVP’s over the years at various USSSA tournaments