National Women in Sports Day with Nistler MBA Student, Brooklyn Brouse

By: Marissa Burian

On National Women in Sports Day, the University of North Dakota recognizes student-athletes whose impact extends beyond competition. Brooklyn Brouse represents the intersection of athletics, academics, and leadership, balancing life as a Division I track athlete while pursuing both a JD and an MBA at UND.

A graduate of UND’s 3+3 political science and law program, Brooklyn is currently a second-year law student, first-year MBA student, and fifth-year track athlete. Alongside her academic and athletic commitments, she serves in leadership roles across campus and the Summit League, advocating for student-athletes and helping shape decisions that impact their experience.

Excellence on the Track

Brooklyn’s athletic career at UND is marked by consistent performance and record-setting achievements. She is a Summit League Indoor Conference Champion in the women’s 800 meters and has contributed to multiple UND indoor school records, including the distance medley relay and the 4×400 relay. She also ranks among UND’s all-time performers in several indoor and outdoor events.

Balancing Division I competition alongside graduate-level academics has required intense time management and focus. Through athletics, Brooklyn has learned how to perform under pressure, adapt in real time, and rely on teammates, skills that continue to translate well beyond the track.

Leadership Beyond Competition

In addition to her athletic success, Brooklyn serves as President of UND’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Secretary for the Summit League SAAC. These roles allow her to represent student-athletes at both the institutional and conference levels, helping shape conversations around athlete welfare, scheduling, and academic success.

Her leadership experience also includes service on the Intercollegiate Athletics Committee and participation in Hawkademy, UND’s student-athlete leadership development program. Reflecting on these experiences, Brooklyn shared, “The most meaningful thing is seeing how thoughtful advocacy can lead to real impact and inclusion of student voices in decision-making spaces.”

Law, Business, and the Bigger Picture

Brooklyn’s academic path reflects her interest in the intersection of law, business, and athletics. She is currently pursuing a JD and an MBA at UND, allowing her to explore how governance, contracts, and financial strategy shape organizations and institutions.

The MBA program has complemented her legal studies by strengthening her understanding of strategy and decision-making. This interdisciplinary approach was reinforced during her 2025 summer internship with DigiKey Electronics, where she worked alongside the company’s in-house legal team and observed how legal considerations must align with broader business objectives.

Representing Women in Sport and Beyond

National Women in Sports Day holds particular meaning for Brooklyn as she continues to represent women across athletics, leadership, and professional spaces. She views athletics as a platform that builds confidence, resilience, and leadership qualities that extend far beyond competition.

Reflecting on the significance of the day, Brooklyn said, “National Women in Sports Day is a reminder that athletics can be a powerful platform for confidence, resilience, and leadership, and that those qualities carry forward into careers, advocacy, and community impact.”

Advice for the Next Generation

For students, especially women, pursuing ambitious goals across academics, athletics, and future careers, Brooklyn emphasizes the importance of trusting one’s ability to handle multiple challenges at once. She encourages seeking mentorship, advocating for oneself, and understanding that growth often comes through discomfort.

Her experience at UND demonstrates that discipline, preparation, and persistence can open doors across many paths, and that it is possible to pursue excellence in more than one space at the same time.