Senior golfer has one more act

May 7, 2024 |

Wait, there’s just one more thing before it’s over.

Brooklynn Cromwell’s life as an Indiana University East student-athlete will not be ending as she is set to graduate with a major in Business Administration with minors in Communications, Criminal Justice, Psychology along with Sports Marketing and Management on May 9.

“Brooklynn has had an outstanding collegiate career academically, athletically and socially here at IU East,” IU East women’s golf coach Billy Mullin said. “She has been on the dean’s list several times throughout her stay here in Richmond.”

That one more thing is a third straight appearance for the Red Wolves at the NAIA National Women’s Golf Championships, which will be an appropriate finish for Cromwell.

“When I think of Brooklynn Cromwell, I think of someone who is both smart and tough,” Mullin continued. “That is a winning combination for life. She has been a team leader for the last three years and a major catalyst in our team winning three consecutive River States Conference championships.”

Last month, Cromwell was named the RSC Golfer of the Year after leading the entire field to be the medalist at the conference championships in West Virginia. The squad’s victory clinched a bid to the national tournament set for May 14-17 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill.

“Being a part of the golf program at IU East has been an awesome journey for me,” said Cromwell, who has been on the All-RSC First Team twice in her career. “I started golf my freshman year of high school and definitely did not expect to be given the opportunity to play another four years after high school.”

“It’s not just about the sport itself, but also about the friendships forged, the lessons learned, and the personal growth experienced along the way,” Cromwell continued. “As I prepare for my last time playing for IU East at nationals for the third time, it’s a mix of emotions. There’s excitement for the opportunity to compete at such a high level once again, gratitude for the support of my teammates and coaches throughout the years, and a sense of nostalgia knowing that this chapter of my life is coming to a close.”

For Cromwell, it’s been a great chapter since coming to IU East from Orleans High School in southern Indiana.

“These past five years at IU East have been an incredible journey,” she said. “It’s surreal to think it’s coming to an end. The friendships, memories, and experiences I’ve gained here are invaluable. These final weeks at IU East are bittersweet, but I couldn’t be happier with how they’re unfolding.”

Cromwell’s journey included a lot of support from the people in her life.

“I’m incredibly fortunate to have a supportive network of friends and family who have stood by me every step of the way,” she said. “Special thanks to my dad and grandpa for their unwavering support and dedication, traveling countless miles to cheer me on. Their encouragement and sacrifices have played a significant role in my athletic journey.”

In addition to her dad Johnny and grandfather Robin, the list of supporters is quite extensive.

“I also owe a debt of gratitude to coach Anthony Bradley, whose guidance and mentorship have been invaluable,” Cromwell said. “His belief in my potential and willingness to support me through challenges, big and small, have been instrumental in my growth.”

“I’m very thankful for coach Billy Mullin and (IU East men’s coach) Jeff Williams for coming down to small town Orleans and making me a Red Wolf,” Cromwell continued. “Coach Mullin’s leadership, coupled with the support of his wife Susan and other coaches Erin Schroeder, Buster (Mullin) and Aaron (Sanders) has been transformative. From celebrating victories to weathering life’s toughest moments together, Coach Mullin has been more than a coach. He’s been a mentor and a friend. I’m excited to see the continued success of the program he’s building.”

Mullin is proud of the level of success that Cromwell has achieved.

“Her teammates have always respected her, due to her work ethic and how she treats others,” Mullin said. “As a golfer she has always been a good driver, but it was her short game of scrambling around the greens that led directly to her becoming the conference medalist. It was special for me to watch her put it all together. It’s been a lot of fun these last five years watching Brooklynn evolve on and off the course. She has truly been a great Red Wolf.”