Clearing Every Bar: How Brooklyn Marcee Balanced Athletics, Leadership, and Business

For Brooklyn Marcee, the dream of competing as a collegiate athlete started early — and it became the foundation for a college journey defined by discipline, leadership, and determination.

Marcee will graduate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in May with a Bachelor of Business Administration in management. Beyond leaving college with a degree, the Quitman, Texas, native leaves with experience balancing athletics, academics, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

“Being a collegiate athlete has always been a dream of mine,” she said. “I have been in sports since the age of two, so it has been great getting to experience what all my hard work has brought me. I will forever be grateful for the time I had here.”

Athletics and campus involvement shaped much of Marcee’s college experience. While a member of the track and field team competing in women’s pole vault, she also managed multiple responsibilities.

“Throughout college, I was a full-time student-athlete on the track and field team, ran my own business as a freelance makeup artist, and was involved in organizations on campus such as the Student Activities Board, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and served as a mentor for CLC (Chancellor’s Leadership Corps),” she said. “Having the opportunity to balance all of this has taught me discipline, time management, and the importance of building relationships with those around you.”

Marcee said earning her degree has been deeply rewarding, even during difficult moments.

“It has definitely been challenging and overwhelming at times, but I knew it would all be worth it in the end,” she said. “I think staying grounded, grateful, and building relationships with those around me is what helped push me through those times. Because how lucky am I that I get to be overwhelmed by something I once prayed for.”

Her support system included her teammates, family members, and mentors.

“My parents have always been my number one supporters,” she said. “They are always pushing me to be the very best version of myself, and I know that I can always count on them.”

She also credits mentors Corrigan Revels and Will Kendall for helping guide her development on the track and beyond.

“Corrigan Revels has been like a mentor to me for the past four years and has pushed me to get involved and grow in my leadership abilities,” she said. “Coach Kendall has not only pushed me to be the best I can be in my sport, but in life as well. He has taught me to trust the process and embrace the highs and lows.”

Revels praised Marcee’s commitment and determination throughout her college career.

“Brooklyn’s work ethic and commitment to her obligations are highly admirable,” he said. “It takes true discipline to uphold a solid academic performance, deliver as a student athlete, and serve as a Chancellor’s Leadership Corps Peer Mentor for 3 years. I look forward to seeing what comes during the next chapter of her life.”

Marcee’s dedication earned her numerous honors, including three OVC Academic Medals of Honor, seven OVC medals in the women’s pole vault — six silver and one bronze — and the OVC Scholar Athlete Award in 2025. She was also named a UA Little Rock Homecoming Royal.

After graduation, Marcee plans to focus fully on a passion she began years before college.

“I plan to continue to pursue my business as a freelance makeup artist specializing in bridal,” she said. “I started this business in my freshman year of high school. Now that I am finishing college, I can fully commit to this passion of mine, getting to make women feel beautiful and empowered on one of the most important days of their lives.”

As she prepares for the next chapter, Marcee said she’s confident in the foundation she built in college.

“I loved the close atmosphere UA Little Rock gave me,” she said. “Whether that was with organizations, professors, classmates, etc. It allowed me to meet new people and grow in ways I didn’t think I could have.”

Marcee describes her college experience as supportive, opportunity-driven, and impactful.

“Supportive because I felt like I had a strong support system while being here the past four years,” she said. “Opportunity-driven because there are so many opportunities to get involved on campus here, and ways to prepare you for what is after graduation. Impactful because I was able to make meaningful connections and grow into the person I am today.”