Eyre sisters' close bond will continue beyond high school

By: Raina Shah

Living with someone who is your best friend and someone you look up to can be stressful when thinking about leaving each other for college.

But not for high school junior Brinkley Eyre. 

Brinkley has grown up with her sister (AJ Eyre ‘24) and will continue to stay alongside her for her next four years of college. ​

“AJ is really excited that I have chosen to go to UMD and play with her,” Eyre said, “especially because we push each other not only at practice but at home when we are working out and practicing. We continue to set the bar high for each other.”

Both Eyre sisters mention how their minds operate the same way when on the field. They have the same routines pregame and they always keep an eye out for each other on the field. 

“Brinkley is someone I can always rely on and someone that’s going to give 100 percent,” AJ said. “I always feel comfortable and relaxed knowing I am playing with her. Off the field, we are best friends.” 

The bond they share as players and sisters is one, they say, that will never change. 

“We constantly smile, laugh, do fun things together and no one knows me better than she does,” said AJ. 

Brinkley recently announced her commitment to the University of Maryland, College Park on a Division I field hockey scholarship. Her life has centered on the sport, which has been one of her most powerful motivators. 

“I started playing field hockey in second grade and I have loved playing,” she said. “I always thought it was such a cool sport. I always looked up to the girls on the college and national team and always thought that was going to be me one day.” 

Eyre is graduating half a semester early from her senior year and is working to complete all her credits. She has made sure to finish all of her prerequisite courses this year so that when she is a senior the following year, she will just enroll in one subject. Then she will attend her semester-long math and English classes at Howard Community College. Afterward, she said she will be completely ready for college. 

Eyre has decided to major in communications in college. Some students enter college unsure of what they want to study, but she said she has known what she wants to do for a long time. 

"I want to major in communications and minor in real estate," Eyre said. “I believe communications is a really wide major with many options, and I wanted to take something that centered on public speaking and socializing."

One would think that leaving school early is scary and stressful. But Eyre said she is thrilled to begin her college career: "I am very excited to go to college, hang out with the team, and take classes at Maryland. But I'm sad to say goodbye to my family and friends." 

When offered this opportunity, she was proud of herself and had no doubts about leaving. 

"I didn't think it was a difficult decision because when I thought about going to UMD and playing sports, I got so excited and wanted to get there right away”, said Eyre. “My parents encouraged me because they want what's best for me, and in this scenario, I think going to college would be a great step forward."