RHINELANDER, Wisc. (WJFW)- Wausau native Brooke Jaworski has announced that she is transferring from the University of Texas to the University of Minnesota. Jaworski attended Wausau West High School where he holds eight school records and in his senior year of high school he set three WIAA state records. These accomplishments earned him the Gatorade Track and Field Athlete of the Year. Jaworski signed with the University of Texas in 2018 to continue his professional career. However, Brooke faced many obstacles while attending UT, including an injury and having to control her own identity. Becoming such a high-class athlete early in her career creates expectations around her. Not doing this skill damaged her self-confidence.
“Our minds are so powerful, and sometimes when you have a really successful young career, from middle school to high school, the expectations remain high and steady,” Jaworski said. “When you fall short, it can be really debilitating.”
Brooke also missed her Wisconsin vibe and being over 1,000 miles away from her loved ones began to take a toll on her. He chose Texas because of the elite talent it always exuded with multiple upperclassmen athletes. She wanted to be part of this team, where she could compete from the comfort of her own training partners to push her to be better.
“Coming here to {Texas}, it was hard to leave home,” Jaworksi said. “But to learn lessons you wouldn’t have learned otherwise, and the weather was tempting after training for more than 18 years in the north.”
Brooke continues to compete for the University of Texas for the remainder of her season. She is able to maintain her eligibility while committed to another college because of the relationship she has built with head coach Edrick Floreal. The two are on good terms, and she has had nothing but support from him and the rest of the team about her move.
“Nobody works harder than Brooke,” Coach Floreal said. “There’s nothing like her, and her only downside is that she works too much. I’ve never met a more committed person.”
Jaworski believes there is more to do in Texas before he leaves. She still considered herself a Longhorn and has immense respect for the university. The shift back to the Midwest came from feeling satisfied from Texas. Jaworksi explains that he has gained all he can from UT and it is time for a change. He has learned a lot in his struggle, nostalgia and success in Texas to finally move on.
“Sometimes you need to get uncomfortable again and I feel like I made the most of my opportunities at Texas,” Jaworksi said. “I’ve done great things and learned a lot, but now I have to take that knowledge and apply it to a new environment.”
Brooke closes her announcement, simply wanting to let everyone know she’s coming back to the Midwest.
