For St. Clair senior Brooklyn Meng, excellence isn’t just a goal—it is a standard. Fittingly dubbed “Meng the Magnificent” by those who have watched her compete, the standout Cyclone has spent her high school career representing a masterful blend of leadership, athletic prowess, and deep humility. By the time she plays her final round of golf this spring, Meng will have etched her name into the history books as one of the most decorated and well-rounded student-athletes to ever wear the Cyclone red.
Meng achieved a rare and historic feat during her senior year, reaching landmark milestones in two completely different sports.
On the volleyball court, Meng spent four years as the varsity team’s starting setter, serving as the crucial, quiet orchestrator of the Cyclones’ high-powered attack. She entered her senior campaign on the cusp of history and didn’t waste any time. During the season opener on August 28th, after racking up 15 assists in the first set, Meng needed just five more to join one of the school’s most exclusive athletic clubs: 1,000 career set assists.
Early in the second set, the historic moment arrived. Meng delivered a textbook set to teammate Ashlynn Demartini, who crushed a powerful kill to secure Meng’s place as only the fifth player in St. Clair history to reach the milestone. She finished her storied volleyball career with an incredible 1,621 assists, guiding the Cyclones to a stellar 18-3 record, a second-place finish in the South Central Conference, a satisfying revenge win over LCWM, and a memorable postseason run that included two playoff victories.
Yet, as dominant as she was on the volleyball court, Meng was equally unstoppable on the basketball court.
On January 20th, Meng officially entered the pantheon of Cyclone basketball greats by scoring her 1,000th career point, becoming the 14th female player in school history to reach the mark. Known throughout the area as a perimeter sharpshooter, Meng expanded her game in her final season, developing a strong inside presence and polishing her fastbreak passing.
For three years, the legendary “Brooklyn to Brooklin” (Hinze) connection defined the Cyclones, pushing the program to unprecedented heights. Together, they led the team to three consecutive conference championships and a coveted number-one seed in the section tournament this season. Though their playoff run was cut short in the second round, Meng’s positive, resilient leadership kept the team united.
“Soaking in every single minute of this last year with my classmates and friends has been a major highlight for me,” Meng reflected on her senior year. “Reaching 1,000 set assists in volleyball and 1,000 points in basketball were huge personal goals, but so was staying on the honor roll and maintaining my 4.0 GPA.”
Meng’s magnificent standard extended far beyond the court. A model student with a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout her high school campaign, Meng has been involved in a number of organizations including being Treasurer for the Class of 2026, a member of the Minnesota Honor Society (MHS) and Student Council, and during her junior year, she received the 2025 ExCel Award. Her dedication in the classroom earned her individual All-State Academic honors in both volleyball and basketball, while helping lead both varsity teams to State Gold Academic awards during her sophomore, junior, and senior years.
Between sports seasons—which also included playing golf and participating in band and choir—Meng found time to explore her academic interests. She counts Spanish as her favorite subject, finding a great mentor and teacher in Señora Altomari.
When looking back at the memories she will cherish most, sports and community top the list. “Staying active in sports and meeting new friends from other schools has been amazing,” Meng said. She particularly remembers the magic of playing in front of a packed home gym. “Beating rivals and playing under my coaches, especially during our ‘DignPink’ games with those huge crowds and so much community support, are memories I’ll keep forever.”
Reflecting on her journey, Meng has some wise advice for the underclassmen and her younger self: “Work hard early behind the scenes so you can reach your goals later down the line. All the work you put in early pays off—it makes the work down the stretch so much easier, both mentally and physically.”
That signature work ethic will carry Meng into her next chapter. This fall, she will attend Minnesota State University, Mankato, to major in dental hygiene. Before she even begins her education as a Maverick, MSU gifted Meng a Presidential Scholar award which rewards $20,000 in $5,000 increments each year for satisfactory academic performance. Though she iis transitioning into college life, she plans to stay highly active, joining student clubs and playing intramural sports, specifically sand volleyball.
Leaving the close-knit St. Clair community will be a major transition for Meng, who has grown up alongside her peers. “I’m going to miss my friends and this entire community,” Meng admitted. “I’ve made friends here that go all the way back to kindergarten, so going our separate ways is going to be tough; being in a small school is special because you really get to build those deep relationships. It’s been so much fun being a part of the Cyclone family.”
Before she graduates, Meng wants to share her deepest gratitude with those who helped her along the way. “I want to thank my parents, Jen and Chad, my brother Brandon, and my friends,” she shared. “And a huge thank you to my coaches, grandparents, teachers, and the community for cheering us on. They have offered so much support over these years, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
Congratulations, Brooklyn, on an extraordinary and historic career at St. Clair. Your community is incredibly proud of your accomplishments, your character, and the inspiring legacy you leave behind, and we wish you the very best at MSU Mankato!
