An impressive pitcher since she was young, Windham High School 2024 graduate Brooke Gerry left quite a mark on the field. She achieved 500 career strikeouts, helped Windham win their first state championship in 2023, and was named 2024 Miss Maine Softball – just to name a few of her accomplishments.
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| Windham High graduate Brooke Gerry winds up to pitch for the University of Rhode Island during a college softball game against the University of Dayton on Sunday March 23 in Kingston, Rhode Island. PHOTO BY JAY RUZICKA |
“URI has a strong team, and we are going to be competing every game to end the season on a positive note,” said Gerry. “College is a whole different level of softball, especially at the Division I level. The hitters are a lot better, and the umpire's strike zone is definitely tighter. The college level is a lot more fun, however. My teammates are supporting me in every pitch, and I know they have my back.”
So far, Gerry has had the opportunity to start a game during her first collegiate preseason softball tournament at Western Carolina University in North Carolina. She likes that she’s been able to take the field with URI teammates who want to compete and play for a purpose.
“I was very excited to see Brooke come in as a freshman and help contribute in the circle for our team,” said teammate and URI senior Emily Power. “I love the amount of fresh energy and determination she instantly brings. Coming into her first year of college softball, this role has made her not only stronger but a leader on our pitching staff. The other freshmen in her class look up to Brooke, and know she is someone they can count on, on and off the field. She is the type of pitcher who wants the ball in her hand and wants to come in and shut batters down.”
Power said that by the time Gerry is a senior, she will uplift the program and create an excellent culture for the future of URI Softball.
At the age of 4, Gerry began playing softball and by 6 she was in the circle. She comes from a softball family where both her mom and sister played. Her family has supported her throughout her entire career.
“Growing up around softball has given me a lot of relationships that give me support no matter what,” said Gerry. In college these relationships have helped me because I know how much support I have behind me no matter how far away from home that I am.”
Gerry said being coached by Fred Wilcox at the national level is what best prepared her to play collegiately. At the travel-ball national level, she was exposed to high-level competition and learned the adjustments she had to make to succeed at that level.
While Gerry played for Windham High varsity softball coach Darcey Gardiner, she learned to stay within yourself, and to not listen to what others say about her or her performance.
This summer, Gerry will be coaching for the New England Elite travel team. Her sister will be coaching a 12-under team, while Gerry and her mom will coach a 14-under team along with Fred and Ella Wilcox.
According to Gerry, success is not about how much money you make, or awards won. She says that success is feeling accomplished within yourself and feeling proud of what you’ve done in life, whether it be in the classroom or on the field.
“One thing I know about Brooke is she is a competitor and holds herself accountable when she is in the circle,” said URI softball coach Michael Coutts. “She also works very hard and knows that she has things she can be better at. She is very unselfish and is willing to do whatever we need from her.” <
“I was very excited to see Brooke come in as a freshman and help contribute in the circle for our team,” said teammate and URI senior Emily Power. “I love the amount of fresh energy and determination she instantly brings. Coming into her first year of college softball, this role has made her not only stronger but a leader on our pitching staff. The other freshmen in her class look up to Brooke, and know she is someone they can count on, on and off the field. She is the type of pitcher who wants the ball in her hand and wants to come in and shut batters down.”
Power said that by the time Gerry is a senior, she will uplift the program and create an excellent culture for the future of URI Softball.
At the age of 4, Gerry began playing softball and by 6 she was in the circle. She comes from a softball family where both her mom and sister played. Her family has supported her throughout her entire career.
“Growing up around softball has given me a lot of relationships that give me support no matter what,” said Gerry. In college these relationships have helped me because I know how much support I have behind me no matter how far away from home that I am.”
Gerry said being coached by Fred Wilcox at the national level is what best prepared her to play collegiately. At the travel-ball national level, she was exposed to high-level competition and learned the adjustments she had to make to succeed at that level.
While Gerry played for Windham High varsity softball coach Darcey Gardiner, she learned to stay within yourself, and to not listen to what others say about her or her performance.
This summer, Gerry will be coaching for the New England Elite travel team. Her sister will be coaching a 12-under team, while Gerry and her mom will coach a 14-under team along with Fred and Ella Wilcox.
According to Gerry, success is not about how much money you make, or awards won. She says that success is feeling accomplished within yourself and feeling proud of what you’ve done in life, whether it be in the classroom or on the field.
“One thing I know about Brooke is she is a competitor and holds herself accountable when she is in the circle,” said URI softball coach Michael Coutts. “She also works very hard and knows that she has things she can be better at. She is very unselfish and is willing to do whatever we need from her.” <
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