The scoreboard buzzes. It’s 7 p.m. in the Jungle. Warm ups begin. 

Game day begins not at 7 p.m. in the Jungle but at the beginning of the day and the routine goes until the final buzzer.

The floors are shiny, the lights are bright, shoes squeak and music begins to play.

Most players step on the court after a normal game day routine, but for Varsity Girls Basketball Captain Brooke Harding ‘25, plays for more than just the love of the game but for her faith, family and teammates. 

For Harding’s last season, she has developed a consistent game day routine. 

“On game day, I usually always straighten my hair so that my ponytail looks good for the game. After school, I head home to eat before our game and change into my jersey,” Harding said. “We need to be at every game at 5:30 p.m. to support our JV team and warm up during their halftime. During the second quarter of the JV game, I start to get ready. I put my hair up into a high ponytail and always wear a headband.”

Harding’s love for basketball stems from playing basketball since she was very young, and it all started with her and her dad. 

“I got into basketball because of my dad. We would always shoot on our mini hoop in the house, and I fell in love with the sport from there,” Harding said. 

Throughout her childhood, they would spend time playing together.

“My best childhood memory is when my dad and I would constantly shoot on our miniature hoop inside our house. We worked on the basic fundamentals of my shooting form and had fun messing around. I will never forget that,” Harding said. 

Harding’s dad has played a role in her basketball career.

“My dad had a huge impact on my game. We started working on my form on our little indoor basketball hoop every night when I was about six years old. Ever since then, he has taken me to the gym so we can work on certain things. He truly helped me become the player I am today,” Harding said.

But Harding has a specific step in her routine.

“I pray during the National Anthem. It helps me gather myself before the game and reminds me who I’m playing for. After all that, it’s time to play the game I love,” Harding said. 

But one thing that sticks out from her routine is her faith. 

“In everything I do, I want to honor God. I want to live for Him, and I want to play for Him. I am nothing without him, and I would not be where I am today without His guidance,” Harding said. 

Faith is something she has been able to share with her teammates during their pregame routine.

“Our team doesn’t really have many traditions, but one that we started last year was praying before we head to our bench after warm ups. It has really brought our team together, and it is super powerful. I hope that our team can continue to do this once I leave Rock Canyon,” Harding said. 

Harding hopes this tradition will continue past her time as a Jag.

Her parents have also played a large part in her game day, specifically post-game. 

“After games, I don’t really do anything special. I always spend time talking through the game with my parents. My dad helps me understand the things that I could have done better, and my mom is my biggest cheerleader,” Harding said. 

Even after challenging games, Harding knows what she is playing for. 

“Honestly, the love for the game is what drives me. I wouldn’t be putting in the extra time and effort into basketball if I didn’t love it,” Harding said. 

Although just a sport, Harding has learned to play for a bigger purpose. 

“I totally feel God’s presence on the court. I even try to pray throughout the game to help me rest between possessions. There will come a time when basketball won’t be around, but God is forever, so remembering that brings me peace,” Harding said.

Harding’s teammates encourage her in her path. 

“My teammates are the ones that keep me going during tough games. When I’m not playing my best, I can always look to them to bring me up. Their positive comments and good reminders really help me when I’m having an off night,” Harding said. “It also helps me when I remind myself that I am playing for God. Knowing that takes away all the stress of needing to play well.”

As of Jan. 1, Harding committed to Colorado Mesa University (CMU) and played her senior year knowing she will attend CMU in the fall where she will continue to play for herself and her faith.

“Being committed to college hasn’t really changed much about the season except for the fact that it has brought me some peace. It’s nice not having to worry about where I’m going to go,” Harding said. 

Although committed and loving the sport, Harding has been able to develop into more than just a sport for her it’s life lessons. 

“Basketball has impacted my life in so many different ways. It has taught me how to get up when I fall down, what it takes to be a great leader, and how to push yourself more than you could imagine. Basketball has shaped who I am today, and I am so blessed I get to learn life lessons through an amazing game,” Harding said. “I feel like my journey is just getting started. I have a lot of unfinished business, and knowing that motivates me more than ever. I will continue to put God first in everything I do and let him guide me through my journey.”

Throughout Harding’s career, she has played club basketball for three years for GRIT and Premier. Along with this, she has played for the Jaguars for four years. 

Harding will begin her next season in the winter of 2026 for the Colorado Mesa Mavericks.