Zoey Love Akosua Pokuaa Brown: A Journey of Transformation
Zoey Love Akosua Pokuaa Brown, a recent graduate of Ada High School, has undergone an extraordinary transformation from a difficult childhood in an African village to a celebrated student leader and accomplished athlete. Brown, now the outgoing student council president, made her mark as a formidable presence on the tennis court, winning state championships and earning All-State recognition.
Reflections on Challenges and Triumphs
Reflecting on her evolution, Brown acknowledges the challenges she faced, stating,
“I’ve come a long way. But it ended up working out perfectly.”
Her most recent triumph came this spring when she and her doubles partner, Jessi Bolin, secured the No. 1 Doubles championship title, contributing to their team’s success as the Lady Cougars captured their second consecutive Class 4A team title.
Describing the intense journey to victory, Brown noted,
“We just wanted to try to do our best and do our part. At that point, we didn’t know what was happening or how the points were going to line up. We just had to focus on ourselves and get our win,”
attributing the successful outcome to divine intervention.
The Athletic Journey
Brown began her athletic journey by following the example of her older brothers, Winston and Wyatt, who were also part of the Ada High tennis program.
“I’ve been playing tennis for a while – since I was a little girl. In seventh grade, I decided to take it more seriously, so I joined the team,”
she recounted. Over her four years at high school, Brown consistently competed at the state level, finishing fourth during her freshman and sophomore years before claiming championship titles in her final two seasons.
Highlighting the sport’s significant influence on her life, she remarked,
“Tennis helped shape who I am. I’m a hard worker. You can’t be lazy in tennis. It taught me life skills.”
Currently, she gives tennis lessons to local youths, expressing her passion for the sport, saying,
“I think tennis will always be a part of my life. I love tennis with all my heart.”
Gratitude and Mentorship
Brown expressed immense gratitude for her coach, Terry Swopes, whose mentorship played a vital role in her development:
“Coach Swopes is one of the best coaches. He built that program to be a family.”
Coach Swopes praised her exceptional character:
“Zoey is an amazing competitor and athlete, with an awesome work ethic. More than that, she is an incredible person who encourages everyone around her to improve.”
The Ada Athletic Director, Christie Jennings, echoed these sentiments, celebrating Brown as a bright light within the community.
Overcoming Adversity
Brown’s early years were marked by hardship. After living with her grandmother, she was placed into an adoption program due to her grandmother’s health issues. She found her forever home with Christy and Tyson Brown, who were eager to adopt.
“I think they saw something special in me,”
she stated, feeling fortunate to become part of their family.
“All my achievements truly go back to them,”
she emphasized.
Future Aspirations
This fall, Brown plans to attend East Central University, where she hopes to enroll in its prestigious nursing program. She acknowledges the educational opportunities she has been afforded and aims to inspire others through her journey:
“Education can get you so much farther in life, and not everyone has that. You should never take it for granted.”
Zoey Love Akosua Pokuaa Brown’s story exemplifies resilience and determination, signaling a bright future ahead as she continues her personal and academic journey while illuminating the paths of others young and old.
