The impact of Indiana Hoosier star Aleksa Gulbe on an athlete of tomorrow
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — On March 3, 2019, Aleksa Gulbe and the Hoosiers were preparing to face their arch rival Purdue. Meanwhile, a couple of days prior, another young lady had just wrapped up her “Biddy Ball” season. Five-year-old Brynnlyn Shine was in attendance for the Indiana/Purdue game proudly wearing a medal around her neck from an undefeated season.
“She had gotten [the medal] on Friday night and was proud of finishing her season,” said Melissa Shine (Brynnlyn’s mom) “and since it was for basketball she wanted to wear it to the game.”
Young Brynnlyn’s medal caught the attention of (then) freshman Gulbe, and she had to ask about it. That is where it all began, a friendship that continues to this day. “After that she wanted a jersey, (which they don’t sell),” Shine went on to say, “so I made her a shirt, and we got it signed”
In the 2020-2021 season, Assembly Hall wasn’t open to the public for live games due to Covid, but on Alexa’s 21st birthday (February 5, 2021), Brynnlyn made a sign and posted it on Instagram in honor of her favorite Hoosier. While she repeated this birthday message again this year, Brynnlyn (now 8) was able to personally deliver it the next day while attending another home game.
She has also continued to support the Hoosiers and Aleksa by making signs, delivering treats from Nate’s Candy Shop, creating a personalized t-shirt, and giving the entire team homemade keychains for Christmas.
Most recently, Brynnlyn was able to partake in the National Women and Girls in Sports Day by volunteering to be a member of the “Hype Team” and of course, throwing out t-shirts to the Hoosier home crowd!
Brynnlyn asked mom countless times over 4 years, if she could invite Aleksa to one of her games, mom was able to set up the visit by inviting Aleksa (and fellow Hoosier Nicole Cardaño-Hillary) to attend Brynnlyn’s RBB Youth Sports basketball game this February. It was indeed a surprise to Brynnlyn, who later stated that she was “surprised…then nervous, but happy!”
The game ended with Brynnlyn a little frustrated for not hitting any of her shots, but Aleksa and Nicole were quick to encourage her by saying, “We don’t hit all our shots either.”
You never know what kind of impact a moment could have on a child, but it’s safe to say young Brynnlyn will cherish this memory and friendship for a lifetime!
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