Brooke French, Randall soccer/ track and field, Soph.
On the pitch and the track: It’s incredible to see what sophomore Brooke French accomplished in a span of 24 hours. It’s a moment she’ll never forget, nor will Randall High School. The multi-sport standout started her 24-hour craziness last Wednesday night in Andrews competing in the 3200-meter race. French was able to beat Canyon’s Avery Brown clocking a time of 11:10.34 for the gold medal in the 3200-meter run.
She then hopped in a car with her family and made the six-hour drive to Georgetown to be with her Lady Raider soccer team that was competing in the programs first ever state championship. French arrived in Georgetown a little after midnight Thursday morning. French went on to play in the match Thursday even scoring a goal and helping Randall make history beating Wimberly in penalty kicks, 2-2 (7-6), as Lady Raiders became the first Texas Panhandle team to ever win a UIL state soccer title.
Immediately following the celebration Thursday afternoon, French hopped on a plane and landed back in Andrews at 4:15 p.m. Less than an hour later, at 5:10 p.m., French was back on the track running the 1600-meter where she medaled once more getting silver with a time of 5:14.30.
Randall soccer coach Whitney Bernard: “It is amazing what Brooke accomplished in 24 hours. The most amazing thing is she never complained or make any excuses about what she was doing. Luckily, Randall boys track coach (Tim) McCune was able to get the two-mile race moved to Wednesday night. That allowed her to come play with us and give us a huge spark with the go-ahead goal in the second half. Then to see her fly back to Andrews and get a medal was incredible. Brooke is such a hardworking athlete and promotes what Randall is all about.”
Randall long distance track coach Rebekah James: “It’s amazing to see what Brooke did in 24 hours,” James said. “The most amazing part of it is that she didn’t whine about or make excuses. She just took what she had and worked her butt off. At first, she was going to have to decide what to do either run track or play soccer. Coach (Tim) McCune, the boys track coach, got the ball rolling and got the 3200-meter run changed to Wednesday night so she could at least do one event and then go to state soccer. The only way she could get back for the mile run was if she flew back. Her wonderful family worked hard until they found a pilot that could do it for an affordable way. Brooke is a hardworking great athlete that goes to school in an environment that promotes athletes doing multiple sports and we’re all so proud of her.”
French: “It was two days that was packed with a lot of movement. I’m just super grateful that my family took the time to invest in me and support what I was doing. Both the soccer and the track team wanted were very supportive and helped me the best they could. I couldn’t have asked for it any better to work out how it did. I was scared I wasn’t going to make on Thursday to my 1600-meter race, but I couldn’t miss being a part of the soccer team and making history. It was overwhelming but a very special 24 hours.”
About French
Favorite band or musician: Olivia Rodrigo
Favorite social media platform: TikTok
Favorite athlete: Parker Valbe
Bet you didn’t know: Her favorite place is the beach.
Parents: Kip and Melissa French.
