THOMASVILLE, Ga. (WALB) - Jayla Brooks is 15 years old, averaging 16 points per game, and already holding a Division I scholarship offer. The Thomasville High School sophomore point guard has led the Lady Bulldogs to the Final Four while maintaining straight A’s in the classroom.

Brooks is this week’s Valdosta State Scholar Athlete.

‘This is my life’

Brooks said her connection to basketball began in childhood and became a commitment by fourth grade.

“Since I came out the womb, basketball was the first thing I held when I was a little girl,” Brooks said. “I knew I was consistent and committed to it maybe by like fourth grade. Yeah, I got that mindset of like this is my life, this is what I’m gonna do.”

Growing up with four older brothers, Brooks said the competition at home shaped her game.

“It made me get tough; it made me get rough,” she said. “They made me mentally stronger and physically stronger. I got beat sometimes but I get back up. But now, they can’t beat me for sure now.”

FAMU offer came before first high school game

Before Brooks played a minute of varsity basketball, Florida A&M University extended a Division I offer. Brooks said her father reached out to the program, which led to an invitation to an elite camp.

“I got invited and showed [a coach] my potential,” Brooks said. “Like two months after, [the coach] called and said she would love to offer me — she had an offer on her desk for me. And that was just bright. That was amazing for me. Not saying I came from nothing, but it was something very special for me.”

Brooks said she is keeping her college options open but expressed interest in suiting up in FAMU’s orange and green. She said she believes HBCU basketball deserves a place in the national conversation.

WNBA ‘isn’t a dream — it’s a destination’

Brooks said her long-term goal is the WNBA, and she described her mindset as certainty rather than aspiration.

“I know I am going to go pro. I know I am going to make it in the WNBA,” Brooks said. “When you have that mindset of knowing you’re going to make it, you’re going to make it. And I promise you, I’m going to make it no matter what.”

Brooks hit a three-pointer in the Elite Eight to send Thomasville to the Final Four. In her final game as a sophomore, she scored 10 points against East Laurens.

Congratulations to Jayla Brooks for being recognized as this week’s Valdosta State Scholar Athlete!

If you know an outstanding student-athlete, click here to nominate them.

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