Derek Brooks, the new face on campus, has joined the ranks of the high school security team.
Northview alumni and son in law of teacher Sheridan Steelman, Brooks has returned to his alma mater. Now his job is to monitor the halls and make sure students get to class. Additionally, he is the assistant coach of the boys varsity basketball team.
“I graduated here in ‘06 and played basketball on varsity for three years. I always wanted to come back here and coach, and train and do all those good things. Everything’s happening the way I saw it,” Brooks said.
Brooks played basketball at GRCC for three years in the NAIA league and Davenport University. He is currently playing semi professional basketball in the TBL league for the Grand Rapids Danger. Brooks has been playing semi pro for five years now. Because Brooks is 34, he no longer aspires to go pro, and is focused on his family at home.
“It would definitely be an honor to just be considered [to play professional basketball],” Brooks said.
Brooks enjoys spending time with students and passing down life lessons he has learned throughout the years. He aims to help prepare students for their future after high school.
“Never give up on anything you want to accomplish,” Brooks Said. “Never let someone tell you that you can’t have that dream job, that you can’t do it. That person is being naive and trying to bring you down. Don’t let those people stop you.”
