Brookings, S.D. — When you're named the Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year in basketball, you'd think the court is your only stage. But for South Dakota State's Brooklyn Meyer, the hardwood is making way for the volleyball net.

Meyer, a standout for the Jackrabbits women's basketball team, is returning for a fifth year—but not to shoot hoops. Instead, she's trading her basketball for a volleyball, joining the SDSU volleyball squad under head coach Dan Georgalas.

The idea first surfaced back in February when Georgalas and assistant coach Cole Hartke floated the unconventional proposal. "I went in there with Dan and Cole, and they basically said, 'We have a crazy idea. Would you be interested in playing volleyball in the fall?'" Meyer recalled. "I was honestly shocked."

Georgalas said the coaching staff intentionally gave Meyer space during basketball season, respecting her commitment to the team and its postseason run. "We kind of stepped away and tried to be respectful of what her team and that program still had left to accomplish," he explained. "Once their season wrapped up after the tournament, we started up the conversation again."

Meyer isn't a complete stranger to the sport. She played three years of varsity volleyball at West Lyon High School in Larchwood, Iowa. Even though she hasn't competed since then, her instincts as a middle blocker remain sharp. "We found the high school film, and we were reassured very quickly that Brooklyn's athleticism and physicality, with a volleyball net in front of her, would translate to Summit League volleyball," Georgalas said.

For Meyer, the transition feels natural. "It's not an easy position, but it's probably the one that translates best over from basketball—just the movements and the footwork," she noted. Her basketball background gives her an edge in court awareness and vertical leap, two assets that make her a formidable presence at the net.

But it's not just her athletic skills that make Meyer a perfect fit. Her leadership and work ethic, honed through years of college basketball, are equally valuable. "She'll go into it with a really driven mindset," said women's basketball head coach Aaron Johnston. "She knows she's going to have to earn whatever comes her way. She'll have high expectations about how she competes, but also realistic expectations for what she needs to prove."

Georgalas believes Meyer's veteran presence will elevate the team from day one. "She's got so much experience that she's so well-respected," he said. "She brings a new layer of championship caliber to our program."

For fans of both sports, this cross-sport move is a thrilling development. Meyer's versatility and determination are a testament to her athleticism—and a reminder that great players can shine on any court.