Drake Guard Brooklin Dailey Recalls Football Past
The Drake University basketball standout began her youth sports career on the gridiron as a center.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Football
During the 2025-26 season, Drake University guard Brooklin Dailey emerged as a key contributor on the basketball court. Before her collegiate success, the Pleasant Hill native developed her competitive edge playing youth football as a center.
Why it matters
Understanding the athletic diversity of college athletes provides insight into their development and preparation for elite sports competition. Dailey maintains a strong connection to football through her brother, Jaxon Dailey, who currently serves as a quarterback at Northern Iowa.
Brooklin Dailey played 90 games over three seasons at Drake and averaged 19.1 minutes per game. During the 2025-26 season, she started 11 games.
The players
Brooklin Dailey
She is a 6-foot-tall guard playing for the Drake University women's basketball team who previously excelled at Southeast Polk High School.
Jaxon Dailey
He is a quarterback currently playing for the Northern Iowa football team based in Cedar Falls.
The details
Growing up, the siblings sharpened their skills through a childhood football drill known as the box of fun. Dailey eventually stepped away from the sport in the sixth grade following a concussion.
Timeline
Sixth grade: Brooklin Dailey ceased playing youth football following a concussion.
2025-26: Brooklin Dailey averaged 6.8 points per game for the Drake University women's basketball team.
Season Trajectory
This look back at Dailey's athletic development fits into the broader history of multi-sport athletes transitioning to collegiate basketball success. It highlights the trend of cross-discipline training that defines the current competitive landscape for student-athletes.
The 6-foot guard provides Drake basketball with essential depth and versatility in the backcourt rotation. Her ability to contribute both in scoring and rebounding remains a critical factor for the team's statistical output during conference play.
The takeaway
Multi-sport backgrounds often cultivate unique physical and mental resilience that benefits athletes across different collegiate disciplines. Young athletes should embrace diverse training to develop well-rounded skills and long-term athletic durability.
Further reading
Explore more local Football news for further context on athletes in the region.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Des Moines Register.
