Future promising for Kessler
Sports molds graduate for success in life
While Brooke Kessler flashed her signature smile, there was a sadness in her big brown eyes as she accepted her Bethel Park High School diploma.
“It’s bittersweet,” admitted the 2024 graduate. “It’s sad to move on and away from all my friends, but I know it’s time. I have to grow up.”
At 18, however, the daughter of Duke and Traci Kessler is mature beyond her years. Thanks to her athletic career, which included volleyball and flag football, she honed the skills necessary to formulate a successful life long after her studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
“I can’t wait to see what she does next at IUP and beyond,” enthused Nicole Hipkins.
Hipkins was Kessler’s English teacher. She also served as a coach for the flag football team, for which Kessler garnered acclaim. Kessler recently participated in the prestigious Big 33 Football Classic, which included the inaugural girls high school flag football tournament.
Big 33 participants were selected based on excellence in athletics, strong academic standing as well as qualities of leadership and character. Kessler graduated with a gold cord indicative of her 4.2 GPA as well as a blue sash signifying her membership in the National Honor Society. Additionally, she captained both of her high school teams.
“Leadership comes naturally to Brooke, both on and off the field,” said Hipkins. “Her peers look up to her for guidance, and she never hesitates to offer support and encouragement. Her positive attitude and dedication to the sport have helped foster a sense of unity and purpose within the team.
Hipkins added that Kessler’s Big 33 recognition was a “testament to her relentless competitive nature, versatility on the field, exceptional leadership skills, and unwavering effort.”
Hipkins recruited Kessler and her teammates to compete on the start-up flag football squad through white board promotions and advertising handouts.
“It sounded like fun,” Kessler said. “I never had a desire to play real football. It’s aggressive and I did not want to tackle. I used to play in the back yard but that was two-hand touch.”
The minute she stepped onto the field, however, Kessler demonstrated the tools needed to lead the Lady Hawks to a winning season.
“Her tenacity and passion for the game were unmistakable,” Hipkins said. “Known for her fierce competitive spirit, Brooke consistently pushed herself and her teammates to excel. Whether it’s a practice session or a high-stakes game, Brooke brings the same intensity and drive, inspiring those around her to give their best.”
Kessler’s excellence earned her a spot on the Pittsburgh Steelers team that battled other NFL-sponsored clubs from Baltimore, Washington and Philadelphia in the Big 33 flag football tournament. The Steelers advanced to the finals but lost the championship, 20-14, to the Eagles. Kessler played wide receiver and linebacker in the tournament. Though she scored no touchdowns, she did record a few sacks.
“As a linebacker you get to rush the quarterback, and if you run and pull the flag before they throw it, it’s considered a sack,” she explained. “It was fun and the sacks were cool because I got an idea of what it’s like to be TJ Watt because he is my favorite Steeler.”.
Kessler was surprised to be selected to the all-star competition because it was her first season playing the sport. In fact, the season only started in April.
“I was shocked because I had never played before,” she said. “I think what helped was that I took charge and was able to help everybody. Sometimes, I like to be the leader. I feel like being a leader comes naturally to me.”
According to Hipkins, Kessler knew when to provide levity and when to adopt a more serious approach to the game. Her fun-loving side could feature her tumbling on the sidelines. Her serious side always had her cheering and encouraging her teammates. She also played other positions to improve the team’s chances for success.
“Her willingness to do whatever we asked of her was an invaluable asset. Her adaptability and readiness to step into any role that benefits the team make her a leader,” Hipkins said. “Her adaptability, positivity and growth mindset also made her a joy to have in class. Brooke balanced everything.”
Kessler didn’t have to juggle studies with another activity like flag football. She already excelled as a libero on the volleyball team and had acquired an athletic scholarship to play the sport at Indiana.
Consistency and accountability were just a few things that made Kessler not only one of BP’s top flag football players but also one of the best in the area and the state, said head coach Vinny Ziccardi.
“For someone who already has signed a scholarship to play volleyball in college, she still gave everything she had physically for her team,” he said. “That speaks to the type of person and athlete Brooke is and was for Bethel Park. Whatever it took to win or whatever her role needed to be to reach that goal was what she did, along with many of her teammates.
“Brooke was a fiery leader and even more so after she would take a few bumps in the game. The team would feed off that emotion with very little needing to be said.”
Kessler didn’t need to say much, only yes, when IUP offered a volleyball scholarship. She will play for the NCAA Division II team while pursuing her teaching certification. She plans to major in early childhood education and minor in special education.
“I’d been talking to a few other schools but as soon as IUP offered, I knew I wanted to go there,” she said. “The coaches were so welcoming. They stood out to me.”
“I hope to help them win the PSAC. I’m excited to compete with all the girls.”
After giving up her aspirations to become a gymnast or a dancer, Kessler started to play volleyball in the fifth grade. A defensive specialist, she became proficient enough to also compete on the AAU level. She played for Renaissance, which earned a bid to participate in nationals.
“It’s fun playing volleyball,” she noted. “There is so much energy and you create great bonds with whom you play because it’s such a team sport.”
Kessler embraced the differences between volleyball and flag football. She also noted she learned valuable life lessons from participating in both activities while attending high school.
“In volleyball, there is not the contact or physicality of the game that there is in flag football. I like to compete with others but there is also the thrill of running past somebody that you don’t get in volleyball.
“Flag football teaches you to count on the team and others and be very supportive. You are all still in it together and you have to unite as one. Volleyball is a game of mistakes. Once you make one, you have to shake it off and not dwell on it.”
Kessler doesn’t linger on her decision to attend IUP even though she knows her older brother, David, will be on campus competing as well. A two-time PIAA champion, he is an infielder for the Crimson Hawks’ baseball team, which finished ranked fourth in the American Baseball Coaches Association Division II poll.
IUP fell one win shy of the national championship series and concluded a historic 2024 campaign with a 41-18 record. The Crimson Hawks set program records for wins and games played while the shortstop maintained a .697 on-base percentage with 40 runs and 29 RBI.
“Having a big brother there will be a bonus,” Kessler said, “but I don’t feel like I’m following in his footsteps. Nor do I have to. I am myself. Obviously, what I do is different and volleyball is not on the same level as his baseball, but I can do impressive things in my own way.”