Athlete Spotlight: Berit Brecke ’26
Brecke’s Story as an Athlete and Her Many Hats at St. Lawrence University
When St. Lawrence University pin-hitter Berit Brecke ’26 was in middle school, one of her mom’s tennis friends signed her daughter up for club volleyball. Brecke, eager to join, had her mom sign her up as well.
That one decision changed her life, as her love and passion for volleyball began, and her career skyrocketed. Prior to starting volleyball, Brecke was a swimmer, hockey player and a rock climber. Excluding hockey, Brecke was well-adjusted to an individual-sport mentality, which shifted drastically when she started playing volleyball.
“Both swimming and rock climbing were individual sports, and volleyball was my first major team that I loved and got competitive about,” said Brecke.
Brecke’s competitiveness, high energy, and ability to win with a team all played a role in her decision to continue playing volleyball throughout high school and college. At SLU, Brecke played a key role in the team’s success and fostered collaboration, drive and intensity as a captain, all while keeping a smile on her face.
“Berit Brecke is just the ideal teammate,” said Sofia Velasquez ‘26.
Brecke’s outgoingness and immense campus involvement make her unique; an intense volleyball schedule does not prevent her from being an active individual in SLU’s organizations. It doesn’t stop her from being an active socializer, either.
“Berit’s just the best, she’s always smiling and an amazing human being– I think anyone on campus who’s talked to her can say that,” a teammate noted.
Besides having been captain of the women’s volleyball team this fall, Brecke works at the rock-climbing wall, serves as a Global Scholars mentor, an admissions ambassador, The Hill News Crossword Editor and a Geology Teaching Assistant.
When asked about how she keeps afloat with such a busy schedule, Brecke gave credit where it was due.
“I have a really nifty Apple Calendar for my events,” she explained.
When she has a second to breathe, Brecke enjoys grabbing a coffee, going for runs, playing board games, and socializing with all.
As the Saints prepare for offseason training this spring, Brecke’s humor, competitiveness, voice, and drive will be missed. The Saints will have great shoes to fill in 2026.