"It's kind of scary, knowing that I have to grow up now," said Brooks. "But I'm really excited, because I get to go somewhere that offers me a really good chance at the major I want.

"Soccer is something that I love to do and being close (an hour's drive) to my family is a huge thing, because I'm really close with my parents and my sister.

"I'm just excited to have the whole package together. You can't really ask for much more than that."

Brooks, a sweeper and four-year starter for the Lady Tigers, plans to major in the medical field and hopes to pursue a nursing career at a children's hospital in the future, because she loves working with kids, she said.

Pigeon Forge soccer coach Billy Moseley said he believes Brooks is up to the challenge of it all.

"It's great. Kids need to grow up and learn, and this is a big step in another part of her life," said Moseley. "She's a young adult with responsibilities, she always strives to be the best she can be and, so, she'll do well."

Brooks said she'll miss Moseley when she leaves for Wesleyan, but she's also excited about her new coach, Naomi Clarke of New Zealand.

"There's so much I could say about coach Moseley," said Brooks. "I've been around him since I was nine, so he's kind of like another member of the family, and it's hard to leave him. He's taught me a lot, and he's made me a better player.

"But at the same time, I'm excited to move on, and I was very impressed with (Clarke's) soccer background."

The feeling is mutual from Clarke's perspective.

"I'm excited to have Allison," said Clarke. "She's a talented player. She's got a lot of work to do to get to the next level, but I think she's got what it takes to move up."
     

Brooks' mother, Donna, is stunned, excited and proud that her daughter signed with Wesleyan on Monday.

"I feel a little lost," said Donna. "(Allison) is like one of my best friends, and I don't know what I'm going to do without her.

"But she's always wanted to go into the medical field, and she's done everything she's needed to do, so I'm very proud of her.

"And I love (Tennessee Wesleyan). It's small, it kind of reminds you of here without the tourism. I think it will work for her."

Brooks' father, Donnie, said is it's hard to beat what happened for their family on Monday.

"It's very exciting," said Donnie. "I'm very proud of her, and it's a very good day for us."