Pilkington: "This Fifth Year of Eligibility is an Amazing Opportunity For Me On and Off the Court"

ODUSports.com is working on a variety of ways to continue to give Monarch Nation informative and creative content throughout this pandemic. ODUSports.com had the opportunity to talk to Virginia Beach-native and senior on the Old Dominion women's tennis team, Brooke Pilkington, about the past, present and future.
 
Pilkington started the interview by showing her appreciation for Monarch Nation, "First of all, I would just like to thank everyone at Old Dominion for everything they do for the students and especially the athletes. During this tough time, it is amazing seeing the ODU community supporting each other, especially when it's off the court/field. Also, a huge thank you to all of the fans within Monarch Nation for everything they do every day for our athletic department!"
 
Q: You attended Cape Henry Collegiate in Virginia Beach, where you were a four-time Virginia State Champion and three-time State Player of the Year. When you reflect back on those days, what stands out to you?
BP: "I definitely could not have gotten where I am today without having played for Cape Henry and going through the experiences that I did. I had a unique experience in high school due to the fact that my dad was the coach there and my sister also attended and played for the team when she was in high school as well. Playing on that team always gave me the feeling of being a part of a family due to the fact that I was always surrounded by my dad and sister. Winning all those state titles wouldn't have been possible without the girls on my team, my dad coaching and the support from the school."
 
Q: After your high school career ended, you attended the University of Delaware, where you were named the CAA Rookie of the Year, as well as garnered All-CAA accolades. How would you describe your time as Blue Hen?
BP: "I was extremely lucky to attend the University of Delaware and play for their team for two years. I excelled as a player in that program and it helped me get to where I am today. Even though I had to make a change and attend another school, I am still incredibly grateful to have had that experience and met the people that I did."
 
Q: After your sophomore season, you transferred to Old Dominion. What all went into your decision to become a Monarch?
BP: "Although I enjoyed my time at Delaware, I decided after my sophomore season that I wanted to be closer to home with my family and friends. I grew up training at ODU's tennis facility and grew up around the area, so ODU was the perfect fit for me. The idea of playing in my hometown, with all my family and friends watching me in the stands, sold me right away."
 
Q: Once at Old Dominion, you were named the Conference USA Newcomer of the Year and have been named to the All-League and All-State teams for singles and doubles. How would you summarize your time in Norfolk so far?
BP: "So far, my time at ODU has been so great. Right when I got on campus, I was excited to get on court and represent the school and the area. Since I came to ODU, I feel like I have excelled as a player and have grown as person. I have met incredible people at the University, especially my teammates and coaches. One thing that I am extremely grateful for was coming to a school and program that had such a close-knit team and coaching staff. One thing that drove me to fight on the court everyday was the fact that I had seven other girls and an amazing coaching staff on the sidelines counting on me."
 
Q: This ODU women's tennis team was absolutely rolling this past season before it ultimately was cut short. What has the past month and half been like for you? Also, explain your feelings when you heard that the rest of the spring season was canceled.
BP:"Obviously, I was very upset when I heard the season got cut short. I wasn't sure how to really feel the first couple of weeks because it was just something that was out of all of our control. The past month and a half I have been focusing on my online classes and trying to stay active. I think it's important for these student-athletes who got their season cut short to stay active and take care of their mental health. This is exactly what my dad told me when we heard the news. He told me that it's important to stay active and keep up with routines in order to keep my head on straight."
 
Q: With the NCAA granting the opportunity for spring senior student-athletes to receive another year of eligibility, what does this mean for your future, on and off the court?
BP: "This fifth year of eligibility is an amazing opportunity for me on and off the court. First, I plan to complete my master's degree at ODU. I'm still in the process of deciding which program to study considering there are so many great options to choose from. I also plan to dedicate myself on the court. I see this fifth year as an opportunity to give everything I have and leave it all on the court for one more year. I'm extremely grateful that the NCAA came to this decision, because I know it means so much to players and coaches to allow student-athletes to come back and finish what they have started."
 
Q: What are your hopes for this program next season?
BP: "Since our team will have so much returning talent next season, I expect we will do very well just like we were doing this year. This past season, we had a very good shot at winning the conference tournament and I believe we will have that opportunity next season as well."