(Editor's Note:  This is part of a series of stories of the RUDY Award finalists.  Two winners – one male and one female – will be announced at the conclusion of the end of the R.UD.Y.S. Awards Banquet on Monday.  

R.U.D.Y.S. stands for Recognition and celebration of University of Dayton student-athletes Year-end Showcase.  It is hosted by the UD Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Dayton Athletics administration for the student-athletes to recognize individuals and teams for their accomplishments this past year.
 
These stories were written by students in Dr. Haozho Pu's HS 353 Sports Media class.)

Written By: Sophia Hinds, Colin Hatcher, Gabriel Ward

Brooke Hartzell is certainly no stranger to the University of Dayton. Before her time at UD, several members of her family gained an education in the Gem City. When asked what being a Flyer means to her, she described her love for the sense of community at UD. After her time at UD comes to a close, Brooke plans to attend medical school to achieve her goal of becoming a physician. Through her resilient attitude, kindness toward others, and willingness to learn new things, Hartzell represents what it means to be a Flyer, both while competing in rowing and in the classroom. 

Hartzell currently competes at the varsity level on the University of Dayton women's rowing team. Before her time at UD, the senior from St. Charles, Illinois, attended Saint Francis High School College Prep, where she was a star on the softball field. Hartzell, a two-time All-State player, helped lead her team to a state runner-up finish. Hartzell, who is currently studying pre-medicine, graduated in the top 10 percent of her high school class and was awarded an Instrument of Peace and Justice from the Diocese of Joliet. She then competed in softball at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, prior to transferring to UD. During the 2024-25 school year, she was recognized on the Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Honor Roll. This year, Hartzell joined the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. 

Hartzell's ability to excel in one of the most physically demanding sports while also pursuing her education speaks to what it means to be a Dayton Flyer. She is driven, dedicated and determined to make a difference both for her teammates and in the world. Anyone who has had the opportunity to speak with her knows that she will do just that. People like Brooke Hartzell are what make the University of Dayton so special, and she makes the University of Dayton a better place and a home away from home for everyone who meets her.

Q: Describe yourself in three words.
A: "I would describe myself as resilient, curious, and grounded. Rowing has really shaped that resilience, especially in the early mornings and moments when progress felt slow. I'm naturally curious, which is what pulled me toward both neuroscience and medicine. At the end of the day, I try to stay grounded in why I'm doing what I do and the people around me who support me."

Q: What does being a Flyer mean to you?
A: "Being a Flyer means being part of something that genuinely feels like a community rather than just a campus. Between rowing, SI, and the people I've met here, I've felt consistently supported and pushed to grow. It's about showing up for others just as much as you show up for yourself. That sense of connection is what makes UD feel like home."

Q: What is one of the most influential moments in your athletic career?
A: "One of the most influential moments for me was, honestly, my first season as a novice. I came in with no rowing background, yet it was so exciting and intimidating. There were days I questioned if I belonged, but sticking with it and slowly improving changed how I saw challenge and growth. It taught me that progress doesn't come from being comfortable; it comes from staying when things are hard."

Q: How has being a student-athlete contributed to your personal growth and development?
A: "Being a student-athlete has forced me to become intentional with my time and energy. Balancing practices, academics, and everything else isn't always easy, but it's taught me how to prioritize what matters. It's also made me more aware of how I show up for others, whether that's teammates or students in SI. I've grown to become more intentional about being someone who can handle pressure while still staying present."

Q: What are your future goals and aspirations after graduating from UD?
A: "After graduating, I plan to go to finish my master's in biology here at UD. After finishing, I am interested in attending medical school and continue working toward becoming a physician. A big part of that comes from my experiences volunteering and spending time with patients, where I've seen how important it is to meet people where they are. I want to be someone who not only understands the science but also takes the time to understand the person. That balance is what motivates me moving forward."

Q: What does it mean to be nominated?
A: "Being nominated is not something I take lightly, especially knowing how many people around me are just as deserving. It honestly makes me incredibly grateful for my teammates, coaches, professors, and everyone who has supported me along the way. I think about the experiences that have shaped me and the people who have pushed me to grow, even when it was uncomfortable. More than anything, it reminds me to keep showing up with that same level of gratitude and to support others in the ways that others have done for me."

Q: How did you get into rowing, and when did you know you wanted to go to UD?
A: "I got into rowing once I came to UD, which made it both exciting and a little overwhelming at first. I didn't have a background in it, so everything was new, but I quickly grew to love the challenge and the team aspect. As for UD, I knew pretty early on that it was where I wanted to be because of the people. The environment felt supportive and genuine, and that made the decision feel right."