Twins Brooklyn and Bradie Solomon have provided identical contributions to Ozark during its Final Four run.
Both Solomons have found their niche at the service line and to be a seemingly endless source of energy and enthusiasm for the Lady Tigers to tap into.
“They're so joyous on the court that they lighten up the court a little bit,” coach Adeanna Brewer said. “They play the game happy. They're having fun. When we are feeling a little pressure and things seem 'heavy,' they lighten the air a little bit. The girls feed off their energy and light-heartedness. We play higher level volleyball when we're a little lighter and enjoying the process.”
One would never guess by the unabashed passion the Solomons show on the court, but they consider themselves shy.
“Off the court, we're actually very shy. We're very introverted,” Brooklyn said.
“Energy provides momentum and we feel when we come on the court, we can give so much energy to our team and pick up players,” Bradie said.
“Providing energy is one of my core values,” Brooklyn said. "I love to be able to provide stupid energy for my team.”
Brooklyn had a pair of aces and Bradie one in Ozark’s Quarterfinal sweep of Blue Springs South last weekend. Bradie served for 10 points and Brooklyn five.
“The entire week, we were planning to make (Blue Springs South’s) serve-receive move, so we took hundreds of reps,” Brooklyn said. “My shoulder is all taped because I've been serving constantly.”
On the season, the Solomons have combined for 44 aces entering the Lady Tigers’ State semifinal match versus Francis Howell tonight at 6.
“Me and Brooklyn have been working really hard on serving,” Bradie said. “We’ve been getting hundreds of serve reps every day in practice. Building confidence on the serving line and delivering for our team is something we've worked hard on all season.”
