AVP 2009 Best Female Defender

Brooke Hanson knows the power of persistence. The former Brooke Niles started her pro beach volleyball career in 2005 and consistently moved up the rankings on the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) tour. In 2007, she advanced to her first three Final Fours but missed the entire 2008 season due to injury. Brooke came back stronger than ever, winning the AVP's "Best Female Defender" title. She and partner Lisa Rutledge finished the season as the fifth-ranked team and as the best defensive duo. Brooke wound up ninth in individual points, a new best for her. She considers FRS her competitive weapon and depends on it to give her that extra edge throughout a match.