Brooke Meunier was Born to Ball

At five years old, most children are talking to imaginary friends and playing with their newest prize from the toy store.

But not Brooke Meunier.

While girls her age were playing with Barbie dolls, Meunier was crafting the skills that would eventually lead her to a Division I scholarship here at UB.

The 5'9" sophomore from Saginaw, Mich. has been playing ball since she was five years old.

"My whole family participated in sports," said Meunier. "My father is a coach and both of my brothers play sports."

Basketball for her at Heritage High School was rewarding. She was co-captain three consecutive times and honored as Most Valuable Player. Throughout high school she held the title of MVP of the Saginaw Valley League and an All-State Honorable Mention as a sophomore.

Although basketball is her first love, she has also played softball and was drafted as a first team shortstop three times.

The transition from home to Buffalo seemed to be easy for her.

"Buffalo is cold and snowy, but so is home," said Meunier.

She also feels that going to UB has given her a chance to be immersed in diversity.

During her two years playing at UB this combo guard has always put the game first. She recently suffered a torn ligament in her finger while diving for a loose ball, during the game against Ohio.

Despite her Feb. 7 injury, Meunier posted her first career double double just four days later with 13 points and 10 rebounds against Kent State.

"I am hardworking and determined to succeed," she said.

With this passion for success, she has many achievements but said she continues to stay focused on improving.

Meunier has shown this determination to succeed all season - she scored in double figures 12 times, has lead in assists in five games, and was the top scorer in four games.

"The best part of playing basketball is playing all the time," said Meunier. "And my teammates are the next best part."

Although Meunier has accomplished many things, her life has not been without trouble.

Recently both of Meunier's parents were diagnosed with cancer, something that generally leaves the family in a constant state of depression and understandable so. But Meunier and her family were able to fight through the hard times, and are now relieved to hear that the parents will be alright.

"I'm proud of my family because we dealt with it so well," she said.

Do not let Meunier's business major fool you, the hard-working and perseverant guard's ultimate dream is to one day coach a D-I team of her own.

Five Random Questions

1.) Q: What was most embarrassing moment?

A: "Freshmen year at practice I hopped on the treadmill and fell right off, (laughing) I was bleeding, but it was so funny."

2.) Q: What is your nickname?

A: "Well I have so many but Dub Duce, Double Trouble and B."

3.) Q: What is your favorite part of the day?

A: "I really don't have a favorite part of the day, but I hate the morning."

4.) Q: Who is your favorite basketball player in the NBA?

A: "Jason Kidd."

5.) Q: What do you watch the most on TV?

A: "I watch a lot of Sports Center."