Brandenburg Choses Houghton College To Continue Her Basketball Career

By: Ed Weaver  /  December 24, 2024  /  Photo: Ed Weaver

Senior Chloe Brandenburg will continue her basketball career after high school at Houghton College to study Exercise Science. She signed her Letter of Intent on Thursday, December 19.

Brandenburg also plans on getting her masters in athletic training or pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy.

Brandenburg chose Houghton over Penn College, Grove City and Messiah College because of its size and closeness to home.

"First, I want to give all the glory back to God. He has opened this door for me and has given this gift of basketball to me. I chose Houghton because there is a sense of home there," she said. "The students and staff are very welcoming and I could see myself there as part of their family. God is the priority there and I want that at my future college."

Brandenburg is no stranger to Houghton. She has attended camps there the past two summers.

"This past summer I was invited to play pick up with the team after each day of camp. I immediately felt welcomed on the team and their strategy and philosophy matched the way I strive to play. I was in communication with Coach (Phil) Pellegrino prior to the camp as well. I went back to campus for the team's first home game and spent the weekend with some of the girls in their dorm. I am so blessed to have this opportunity and thankful for Coach Pellegrino for seeing something in me. I'm also looking forward to growing my faith, skills, and character even more."

Wellsboro head coach Maureen Poirier has watched Brandenburg hone her craft on the court.

"Chloe has been a four-year starter. Her sharp shooting has benefited the teams over the past few seasons," said Poirier. "As a coach, I have been fortunate to see Chloe develop personally and as a player over the past five years. My first experience with Chloe was when I was in my second season as head coach. Her sister Emma was on my team so Chloe joined the team as a manager. At that point, I knew she would become a talented shooter due to her shooting mechanics at a young age

"As the assistant coach for the last two years, I was lucky to be involved in Chloe's high school career. In taking over the WHS program this season, Chloe has been an important part of our success thus far. She puts in a ton of time in the off-season. This past year, she played on two different travel teams. Chloe never missed an off-season training unless she was playing travel ball or out of town. She'll be challenged day in and day out at practice, but I anticipate that she'll develop into an all-around player with the level of competition she will experience at the next level daily."

Brandenburg also credits the Wellsboro program for helping her achieve her dream of playing at the next level.

"Wellsboro has prepared me to adjust to change quickly and be true to myself. This season I have also learned to be a leader and be loud on and off the court. I also had the opportunity to shadow Kayla (Melko), the athletic trainer, and want to thank her for letting me see the inside of that kind of job."

"I'd like to thank my family and friends for always being on the sidelines and pushing me to be the best I can be," added Brandenburg. "To my teammates and Coach Poirier, I will always cherish this final season with you all. Thank you for challenging me to be better and the friendships and memories we have all made together.

"To Coach Kitchen of Northern Tier Hawks and Coaches (Curtis) Jacobson and (Jeff) Everett of Select Prospects: thank you for creating programs for the off season and helping me discover the player I am and developing my skills for the season and life.

"To Coach (Janelle) Tombs, Coach (Simone) Lichty, and Coach (Mike) Rell: thank you for putting in extra time with me and creating programs. The ways each of you have believed in me and for your guidance has made such an impact.

"Lastly, to Coach Pellegrino and my future team: thank you for this opportunity and seeing something in me! I am so excited to continue this journey with all of you! I can't wait to be a part of the Highlander Family!"

WellsboroBasketball.com would like to congratulate Chloe on continuing her academic and athletic career at Houghton College.