TYLER, TEXAS - Senior captain Brooke Mullins has made her mark on UT Tyler women's soccer, not just with her 44 career starts, 14 goals, and four assists, but also as a standout scholar preparing for law school. Hailing from Burleson, Texas, Mullins has combined on-field leadership with academic excellence, earning the Lone Star Conference Academic Player of the Year honor last season.

"My major is business management with a minor in pre-law," Mullins said. "I think what inspired me really is just my parents always pushing me to be the best version of myself. I originally was majoring in kinesiology and didn't find joy in it. When I switched to management and pre-law, I really liked how the law is so intriguing. It's always changing — it's like a living thing."

Mullins' interest in law began in high school through courses in law enforcement and court procedure. She committed to pursuing law school during her junior year of college and is particularly drawn to corporate law, a choice that complements her business management background.

Balancing academics and athletics has been a hallmark of Mullins' time at UT Tyler. "Just my nature of always wanting to be an example has helped me lead by example as a team captain," she said. "I can't push others to be their best if I'm not doing the same thing. That really drives me and helps me be successful in both areas."

Her dedication earned her the conference Academic Player of the Year award, an honor she described as humbling. "When I first saw it, I didn't even know what it meant," she said. "Once I looked it up, I thought, wow, out of everyone in the conference, to be named that was really an honor. I'm glad I could represent the school and our team."

Coach Stefani Webb praised Mullins' impact on and off the field. "Brooke is just an all-around amazing woman. Great competitor, leader, and student. She is driven to be great, and that drive and passion impacts everyone she comes in contact with."

The lessons Mullins has learned on the pitch, including determination and competitiveness, will carry over to her future career in law. "Law is a very competitive field, and so is soccer," she said. "That determination to be the best is what I'll take with me."

Reflecting on her time with the program, Mullins points to her freshman year trip to Italy as a standout memory. "Getting to play soccer over there and see all the different historical sites was just amazing," she said.

This year, the Patriots are making history, traveling to DBU for the first time ever in postseason play. "We've been getting better each year, and we could all feel this was the year from the beginning," Mullins said. "Going to play the number one team in the country at their place, they don't have anything to prove. It's us. We're ready."

Mullins encourages younger teammates to embrace both academic and athletic responsibilities with commitment. "Manage your time well," she said. "It's hard coming to college without your parents waking you up or telling you to do your homework. Being the best on and off the field comes down to time management and personal drive."

With her leadership, athletic achievements, and academic success, Brooke Mullins embodies the spirit of a student-athlete striving for excellence — on the field, in the classroom, and beyond. Tomorrow, she will help lead the Patriots to Dallas as they face nationally ranked No. 1 DBU in the program's first-ever Lone Star Conference Tournament semifinals at 5 p.m.