Kayla and Darian Brackmann: Alumni Series - Taking sports back to the US

Athletics For Life

We interviewed Kayla and Darian Brackmann. Both Kayla and Darian are ISU Alumni who played multiple sports. Kayla graduated in 2019 and Darian in 2020 and they are currently working and studying in Denver, Colorado. Both Kayla and Darian embodied the educational-based athletics philosophy and showed what it means to be a student-athlete. Not only were they great team players, but they also were supportive of others, kind and respectful to their coaches and they showed great sportsmanship on- and off the court. What made them so unique was their passion for coaching and supporting the younger students in their development. It was our pleasure to have them on the podcast.

'Think of it as different plays in basketball, every situation is unique and a asks for a different approach - Kayla Brackmann

'There is no point about thinking to do something, just go for it. If you do not like it, that is fine but if you like it, it could benefit you so much' - Kayla Brackmann

'Knowing what the competition is, gives you extra motivation to develop as a person and team' - Darian Brackmann

'Just go for it, you never know what it can bring you' - Darian Brackmann

' Knowing what you need from each other is the key to grow as a team' - Darian Brackmann

Topics Covered:

Catching up with the Brackmanns

Introduction of Kayla and Darian Brackmann

What are they up to right now?

The most memorable moments from ISU sports

Their sports experience in Saudi-Arabia

Would they have been as successful in school without playing sports?

How did their involvement in sports, production, media help their overall development?

How did they balance their extra-curricular activities with the IB Diploma Programme?

The importance of their parents' support

What do the ACAMIS sports trips mean to them?

Darian's ISU Media role - How was this different from playing at the tournament?

Kayla's MVP award at the ACAMIS Basketball Orange Division 2018 tournament in Macau

How was it like to change to a more competitive sports division?

How did they develop their successful boys' volleyball team?

How was their transition from living overseas to the USA?

What do they do to stay fit, healthy and active these days?

What would they say to younger students planning to play sports?

Biggest lessons learned from ISU sports?

Awards banquet 2019 Video - https://drive.google.com/file/d/17a23...​

Made by Darian Brackmann

ACAMIS 2019 Orange Division Final -https://drive.google.com/drive/folder...​

Twitter: @AthleticsforLi2

Special Guest: Kayla and Darian Brackmann

Camera & editing: Scott Lillis

Collegepro Uniforms - www.collegepro.com.cn