The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1497827
MAY/JUNE 2023 ■ 45 elite 2023 prospect trans- ferred to St. John Vian- ney to play for head coach Dawn Karpell. The team returned most of a start- ing lineup that had a lot of success the previous year, and Brooks fit in perfectly when she arrived at the school as a junior. "I think the thing that is super cool, that NC State fans are all going to get to see, is that Zoe is an awesome teammate," Karpell said. Karpell appreciated Brooks' patience when she arrived at the school. She learned the system, received all-state honors as a junior and embraced her role as the team's star guard this past year. This was her fourth consecutive season on the New Jersey all-state team. "Her growth and improvement from even her junior year to senior year was tremendous," Karpell said. A late-season injury did not slow Brooks down. She put up 33 points, including the win- ning shot, in the state Non- Public A semifinals against Paul VI High. When the lights are the brightest, and the stage intimidating for some, the Wolfpack signee shows up. "Her competitive nature just allows her to step up her level when we get in our most competitive, tight situations," Karpell said. Few, if any, stages in wom- en's college basketball are larger than the ACC, and Brooks is ready to come in and compete as a freshman. She said she plans on bringing "a lot of excitement" to the court this year, and she relishes the response from fans. "I want them to be enter- tained when they come watch me play," she said. "That's what I'm going to do— be flashy and make the crowd go 'Ooh' and 'Aah.'" Brooks excelled on both ends of the court last sea- son. Karpell said the guard's unique ability to anticipate and intercept passes helps set her apart defensively. She recorded 5 steals or more in 19 games. Karpell said she believes Brooks' style of play will be a perfect fit for head coach Wes Moore, who will coach to the guard's strengths, and his defensive-minded style. Moore is eagerly awaiting her arrival in Raleigh. "We're obviously really excited about her," he said during a March press confer- ence. "She does a good job scoring the ball, but she also gets her teammates in- volved. It'll be tough as a freshman play- ing that position, but we do think she can handle that and help us some." Brooks committed to NC State because of her future head coach, teammates and the uni- versity's campus. "I thought it was a great fit for me," she said. During her official visit last fall, Brooks continued building a bond with NC State's coaches and athletes. Rising ju- niors Saniya Rivers and Aziaha James and rising senior Madison Hayes will be back with the Pack next year, setting up a tal- ented backcourt for Brooks to join. "We were talking, and we agreed that it was going to be a lot of fun and that we have a bright future," Brooks said. "We're going to be a young team, and we're just excited to get in the gym in a couple of months." Brooks said she already has a solid bond with Moore as well. "He's a cool guy," Brooks said. "I like him a lot. I think he's really funny, and I think my personality fits his. We're kind of alike." Before she enrolls at NC State in June, Brooks said she is working on her vocal lead- ership. Karpell said Brooks' calling card at the college level will be her ability to get to the rim of- fensively, but she also noted that the Wolfpack signee will be able to shoot the ball from outside as well. The five-star, All-America guard is ready to hang some more banners inside Reynolds Coliseum. Her journey be- gins in a matter of weeks, and she shared a few goals for her freshman year. "I like to win, obviously," Brooks said. "I want to finish with a pretty good record and just become close with all of my teammates. Hopefully, one of these years, we can win a national championship." ■ Brooks averaged 23 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.8 steals and 4.2 assists as a senior, helping St. John Vianney finish 31-1 and reach the New Jersey Non- Public A championship game. PHOTO COURTESY VINNIE'S PICS " I want [fans] to be entertained when they come watch me play. That's what I'm going to do — be flashy and make the crowd go 'Ooh' and 'Aah.' " Brooks