From softball and volleyball to cheer and track, 14-year-old Brilee Broussard strives to stay active and to be healthy. Brilee was born with gastroschisis, a defect that left her intestines outside of her body. She spent three months in the NICU and even underwent a surgery that left her without a belly button, something she doesn’t even notice anymore. “I’m so used to it now. My friends think it’s cool, but they’re also used to it,” she shares.
While the road hasn’t always been easy, Brilee has surrounded herself with a lot of support to help her get through tough moments. Brilee recalls a time during cheer when a visiting choreographer questioned why she was front and center during a routine. Due to her stomach muscles being different, Brilee shares that she isn’t as flexible in that area, something that is needed when you are a flyer. “It hurt to hear what he said. My coaches told me to shake it off, and we worked harder. I did a lot of stretching before and after practices to improve,” she explains.
Brilee hasn’t let anything get in her way. She has recently been playing shortstop and centerfield in softball, and working on batting on her left side. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her friends and spending time in the batting cages near her home.
Brilee is a thriving, friendly, and athletic girl who enjoys writing and motivating others in their sports endeavors. One of her favorite motivational quotes? “I am better than I was yesterday, but not as good as I will be tomorrow.” After seeing how hard-working and motivated Brilee is, we know that she will continue to excel in all that she does, because she is one amazing kid.
Do you have One Amazing Kid? Email education@brparents.com.
