Like practically all of her fellow student-athletes, Chico State volleyball player Brooke Ono continues to cling to the hope there will be some sort of competition ahead during the 2021–21 academic year. While the sophomore setter is wisely using the hiatus to concentrate on her virtual classroom obligations, she’s doing what needs to be done—both mentally and physically— to remain positive while preparing for any type of return to play. Her dedication to maintaining an important competitive edge makes Brooke Ono the latest Wildcat of the Week.
First and foremost, Ono is making sure to be responsible in observing proper social distancing during the current pandemic.
“I’ve made a point to stay clear of group settings,” she said from her home in Cameron Park. “I’ve been good about constantly washing my hands, and making sure the people I do come in contact with are also practicing social distancing.”
Anxious to build on a 2019 freshman season which saw her pile up nearly 1,100 assists and earn All-California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Honorable Mention, Ono has also spent the last several months refining her setting skills—though it hasn’t been as easy as in past years.
“I wasn’t able to practice with anyone (this summer) as much as I would have liked to,” Ono said. “But I have concentrated on setting reps and hitting reps. It’s good to get back to the basics.” She also worked part-time for her personal trainer, allowing her to maintain a workout regimen and stay in top shape.
While riding out the pandemic, Ono was able to find some enjoyment during the summer. “My family got a camper, and we went glamping with some family friends up in the mountains,” she said. A highlight of her adventures in the Sierra Nevada Foothills was sitting in the Silver Fork River watching a thunderstorm pass overhead.
“It was unbelievable,” Ono said.
Another aspect of her summer getaway fed neatly into her competitive nature. A lover of card and board games, Ono learned how to play poker, and enjoyed the many mental challenges the game offered.
“It took me awhile to get a hold of all the rules, but it was super fun” Ono said.
Thanks to getting a taste for virtual classes during the final weeks of spring, Ono has had little problem adjusting to tackling her Chico State courses online.
“It’s not as bad as I thought it was going to be,” she said. “But I do miss the campus experience. Being able to walk into classes, seeing and talking with people you know. I look forward to returning to that.”
Ono is also looking forward to stringing up the net and getting back on the court in Acker Gym sooner rather than later.
“I’m staying positive. Competition would be great,” she said. “I’m being realistic, though. We’ll have to wait and see what happens this winter. We’re chomping at the bit, but in the meantime we have to do our job and be smart about avoiding COVID.”
Ono keeps her spirits up by frequently communicating with her Chico State teammates, and is making an extra effort to connect with the team’s incoming freshmen players to help them navigate “the new normal.”
“Something that resonates with me is what (former Wildcat volleyball head coach) Cody Hein always used to say: ‘Tough times don’t last; tough people do,” Ono said. “I’m bummed that, for now, I can’t play volleyball. But I’m optimistic. I’ll never give up my belief that every day is a great day to be a Wildcat.”
