University of St. Thomas Athletics
Track & Field’s Brooke Wisdom Embarks on Global Mission to Empower Girls in Sri Lanka
11/24/2025 9:23:00 AM | Women's Track & Field
Sophomore combined sport, service, and wellness education on international trip to support girls at Grace Girls Home
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Sophomore jumper and pole vaulter Brooke Wisdom took her Tommie values abroad. This past summer, the St. Thomas track & field student-athlete traveled to Sri Lanka to work with Grace Girls Home, an orphanage dedicated to helping young women build independence and confidence.
Partnering with physicians, Wisdom led a health and wellness education program, introduced strength and speed training, and helped establish a new on-site gym, all while sharing the spirit of compassion, leadership, and service that defines the St. Thomas community.
Gallery: (11-24-2025) Brooke Wisdom - Sri Lanka Service Trip
What inspired you to be part of this mission trip?
I became inspired to join this mission trip after a dinner conversation with Dr. G (Dr. Naresh Gunaratnam), the physician I traveled with. Dr. G is the president of the board for Grace Girls Home in Sri Lanka. As he shared stories about the girls, some who had been taken advantage of, some in need of guidance, and others dreaming of becoming athletes but lacking any resources, I felt deeply moved. That night, I knew I wanted to be part of the solution. Since then, I've made it my mission to raise awareness and funds to support these girls and to be an active part of this project.
Where did you go and what did you do there?
I worked with Grace Girls Home, an orphanage in Sri Lanka that supports 40 girls and young women. The home's goal is to help them grow into independent, self-sufficient adults. During my time there, I implemented a health and wellness education program that I had been developing with a group of physicians. The curriculum covered essential topics like physical health, hormonal changes, body awareness, and relationship wellness, things many of these girls had never been taught, especially without maternal figures in their lives.
In addition, I led speed and strength training while introducing both structured workouts and recreational exercise to the girls. We worked toward building a small on-site gym, which was funded through my GoFundMe campaign. This space now allows the girls to engage in strength training and learn the importance of physical health and empowerment.
One of the most exciting parts of the mission was helping a girl from the home who had recently made the Sri Lanka U17 national soccer team. I worked with coaches to find ways to provide her with proper training and development opportunities so she could continue growing as an athlete.
What does it mean to you to represent St. Thomas on a global level?
Representing St. Thomas on a global level is a true honor and something I am very grateful to get the opportunity to do. I already feel incredibly blessed to be part of this community, and sharing that spirit of compassion, service, and leadership with others around the world is something I am excited to do. I hope to extend the values we live by at St. Thomas to the girls I'll be working with.
What were you most excited about when first going on the trip?
I was most excited to meet the girls and start building meaningful relationships. I heard from many, that they are incredible young women; resilient, joyful, and full of potential. I couldn't wait to be part of their lives and help create new opportunities for them to thrive. My ultimate goal is that coming back (to St. Paul), I can help connect other St. Thomas athletes to the girls of Grace home, in order to build lasting relationships for years to come.
How does your background in track & field connect with this project?
My background in track and field gave me the skills and knowledge to help teach and train the girls who are interested in athletics. Many have expressed interest in learning more about the sport, and thanks to the training and education I've received at St. Thomas, I felt prepared to help guide them. Beyond athletics, track has taught me about discipline, wellness, strength, and confidence, lessons I hope to pass on. The gym built will give them the tools to build both physical and mental strength.
What did you teach and what did you learn?
I hope I taught these girls things they may never have had the chance to learn; how their bodies work, how to care for themselves, and how strength and fitness are not limited by gender. In their culture, the idea that girls can be strong, athletic, and independent isn't always encouraged. I want to help break down those barriers and show them that being strong is something to be proud of.
At the same time, I know I learned just as much, if not more, from them. I want to better understand their culture, their experiences, and their resilience. I've come away with new perspective, deeper empathy, and lifelong connections.
What's one thing you packed that you can't go without?
I packed a camera. I want to be able to capture the moments, the smiles, the growth, and the relationships I build with the girls. Photos are a powerful way to tell a story, and I hope to use them to share the heart of this mission with others back home, to show not just what we did, but who we did it with. I can use these pictures to connect my teammates, or other athletes at St. Thomas, with these girls to continue this mentorship for years to come.
Favorite motivational quote or mindset you're taking with you?
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." – Gandhi
This quote reminds me that even the smallest actions can lead to meaningful change. I may be just one person, but I believe in the ripple effect of compassion, intention, and love. In addition to this quote, I'm also deeply guided by the Bible verse Psalm 46:5: "God is within her, she will not fail." This verse, which I have tattooed on my wrist, holds special significance for me right now. I truly believe I was chosen for this mission because I know this is something God has called me to do. It reminds me to stay grounded in faith and purpose as I step into this journey.
What does "leadership through service" mean to you?
To me, leadership through service means lifting others up and using your strengths to empower those around you. It's about putting others' needs first, listening attentively, and showing up with humility. True leadership isn't about recognition; it's about making someone else's world a little brighter. Serving those who are less fortunate reminds me that my blessings are meant to benefit others.
Follow Along
For more information on St. Thomas Women's Cross Country and Track & Field, follow along on Twitter and Instagram at @TommieWXCTF. For more information on St. Thomas Men's Cross Country and Track & Field, follow along on Instagram at @TommieMTFXC
-- St. Thomas Athletics --
Partnering with physicians, Wisdom led a health and wellness education program, introduced strength and speed training, and helped establish a new on-site gym, all while sharing the spirit of compassion, leadership, and service that defines the St. Thomas community.
What inspired you to be part of this mission trip?
I became inspired to join this mission trip after a dinner conversation with Dr. G (Dr. Naresh Gunaratnam), the physician I traveled with. Dr. G is the president of the board for Grace Girls Home in Sri Lanka. As he shared stories about the girls, some who had been taken advantage of, some in need of guidance, and others dreaming of becoming athletes but lacking any resources, I felt deeply moved. That night, I knew I wanted to be part of the solution. Since then, I've made it my mission to raise awareness and funds to support these girls and to be an active part of this project.
Where did you go and what did you do there?
I worked with Grace Girls Home, an orphanage in Sri Lanka that supports 40 girls and young women. The home's goal is to help them grow into independent, self-sufficient adults. During my time there, I implemented a health and wellness education program that I had been developing with a group of physicians. The curriculum covered essential topics like physical health, hormonal changes, body awareness, and relationship wellness, things many of these girls had never been taught, especially without maternal figures in their lives.
In addition, I led speed and strength training while introducing both structured workouts and recreational exercise to the girls. We worked toward building a small on-site gym, which was funded through my GoFundMe campaign. This space now allows the girls to engage in strength training and learn the importance of physical health and empowerment.
One of the most exciting parts of the mission was helping a girl from the home who had recently made the Sri Lanka U17 national soccer team. I worked with coaches to find ways to provide her with proper training and development opportunities so she could continue growing as an athlete.
What does it mean to you to represent St. Thomas on a global level?
Representing St. Thomas on a global level is a true honor and something I am very grateful to get the opportunity to do. I already feel incredibly blessed to be part of this community, and sharing that spirit of compassion, service, and leadership with others around the world is something I am excited to do. I hope to extend the values we live by at St. Thomas to the girls I'll be working with.
What were you most excited about when first going on the trip?
I was most excited to meet the girls and start building meaningful relationships. I heard from many, that they are incredible young women; resilient, joyful, and full of potential. I couldn't wait to be part of their lives and help create new opportunities for them to thrive. My ultimate goal is that coming back (to St. Paul), I can help connect other St. Thomas athletes to the girls of Grace home, in order to build lasting relationships for years to come.
How does your background in track & field connect with this project?
My background in track and field gave me the skills and knowledge to help teach and train the girls who are interested in athletics. Many have expressed interest in learning more about the sport, and thanks to the training and education I've received at St. Thomas, I felt prepared to help guide them. Beyond athletics, track has taught me about discipline, wellness, strength, and confidence, lessons I hope to pass on. The gym built will give them the tools to build both physical and mental strength.
What did you teach and what did you learn?
I hope I taught these girls things they may never have had the chance to learn; how their bodies work, how to care for themselves, and how strength and fitness are not limited by gender. In their culture, the idea that girls can be strong, athletic, and independent isn't always encouraged. I want to help break down those barriers and show them that being strong is something to be proud of.
At the same time, I know I learned just as much, if not more, from them. I want to better understand their culture, their experiences, and their resilience. I've come away with new perspective, deeper empathy, and lifelong connections.
What's one thing you packed that you can't go without?
I packed a camera. I want to be able to capture the moments, the smiles, the growth, and the relationships I build with the girls. Photos are a powerful way to tell a story, and I hope to use them to share the heart of this mission with others back home, to show not just what we did, but who we did it with. I can use these pictures to connect my teammates, or other athletes at St. Thomas, with these girls to continue this mentorship for years to come.
Favorite motivational quote or mindset you're taking with you?
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." – Gandhi
This quote reminds me that even the smallest actions can lead to meaningful change. I may be just one person, but I believe in the ripple effect of compassion, intention, and love. In addition to this quote, I'm also deeply guided by the Bible verse Psalm 46:5: "God is within her, she will not fail." This verse, which I have tattooed on my wrist, holds special significance for me right now. I truly believe I was chosen for this mission because I know this is something God has called me to do. It reminds me to stay grounded in faith and purpose as I step into this journey.
What does "leadership through service" mean to you?
To me, leadership through service means lifting others up and using your strengths to empower those around you. It's about putting others' needs first, listening attentively, and showing up with humility. True leadership isn't about recognition; it's about making someone else's world a little brighter. Serving those who are less fortunate reminds me that my blessings are meant to benefit others.
Follow Along
For more information on St. Thomas Women's Cross Country and Track & Field, follow along on Twitter and Instagram at @TommieWXCTF. For more information on St. Thomas Men's Cross Country and Track & Field, follow along on Instagram at @TommieMTFXC
-- St. Thomas Athletics --
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