Joshua Heron is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Veritas Prep Academy for AZPreps365.com

On Independence Day in 2009, celebration turned to chaos. A curious 3-year-old Regan Brotherton got up from the floor at her mom's friend's house and encountered a brazen Chihuahua. Not fond of Regan’s proximity, the Chihuahua bit her lip, resulting in a trip to Urgent Care and three stitches. 

Despite the painful experience, Regan’s mind fixated on one thing.

"My mom told me that right after I got the stitches, I asked her, 'When are we going back to the party?'" Brotherton said. "Some people may say I am stubborn, but I call it persistence. I make sure if I am going to do something or be somewhere, I am 100 percent in." 

Brotherton needed persistence on her journey to varsity. 

As a sophomore, Brotherton made the Veritas Prep freshman volleyball team for the second straight year. She was the only sophomore on the freshman team who did not make the integrated freshman/junior varsity team.

"That was hard because if I had a good practice, the coach would not always see it," Brotherton said. "But I accepted my role and took it upon myself to encourage the girls on the team. I trusted that he [varsity coach Brooks Dockter] put me here because he knew the team needed me here." 

Determined to improve, Brotherton joined club volleyball over summer breaks and played spring sand volleyball for Veritas during her sophomore and junior years. Although she made junior varsity during her junior year, she acknowledges the struggles of not making the integrated junior varsity/varsity team. 

"It was a blow to my confidence because I was the only one again, but I stewarded it as another leadership opportunity," Brotherton said. “I also grew tremendously as a player and found my positioning under the guidance of the junior varsity coach Sarah Kersey.” 

The shortcomings molded Brotherton into more than a better player, but a reliable source. 

Dockter noticed how well Brotherton's abilities complemented her qualities. Her dedication turned to rejoicing when she got a text from Dockter after this past sand volleyball season asking if she wanted the captain band in her final year in school and first year on varsity. 

"I was surprised when I got that text because I had never been on varsity," Brotherton said. "But I immediately said yes because my prior experiences made me confident that I can lead and have a positive influence on my teammates." 

Tim Brotherton introduced his daughter to volleyball after her stints in ballet, gymnastics, cheer and softball. He coached her for two years before she transferred to Veritas in the sixth grade. Witnessing her rise to becoming captain and third on the team in blocks this season is a source of joy for him.  

"From teaching her to pass in the fourth grade at the Tempe YMCA to seeing her compete at the varsity level is incredible," Tim Brotherton said. "I am filled with joy at how much she has grown as a person and volleyball player."

While she brings her father joy, Regan brings her teammates solace. Fellow senior captain Alyssa Jenkins affirms her close friend's ability to shepherd others. 

"She's understanding and empathetic," Jenkins said. "If I have a bad play, she says, 'Not your best, but I know you are giving your all, so here's where you can improve and where I can help you improve.’”

Exercising understanding drowns Brotherton’s preconceived notions, enabling the only child to channel a spirit of kindness uncommon to many other 17-year-olds. Her kindness stems from an understanding that goes beyond her teammates and deeper into culture. 

Brotherton has traveled to Paris, London, Italy, Belize, the Dominican Republic, Canada, and Mexico. A heart for people propels her to traverse the world and influences her desire to study business and economics at Brunel University or Imperial College in London.
Regan (right) and her parents, Tim Brotherton and Bonnie Morgan, at the Eiffel Tower in Paris in 2022. Regan’s dream destination is Greece because of its rich history. (Photo courtesy of Bonnie Morgan)

"Traveling allows me to meet people and incorporate the best parts of their culture into my life," Brotherton said. "Taking advantage of the opportunity to experience different cultures grants me an open mind."

A message from her mom serves as her bastion, empowering Brotherton to capitalize on every opportunity.

"My mom always told me, 'Say yes to everything unless it causes you harm,'" Brotherton said. 

"Every day I get up, I say yes to the day, and that gets me through."

It was her mom's yes to her request to go back to the party after receiving stitches that gives Regan a moment that she can reflect upon when she is not shopping with friends or watching "The Proposal" and realize that her persistence built the strength of character needed to triumph over trials.  

Although the scars from the Chihuahua bite remains, Regan can never see the residual marks and not be reminded of a young woman who endures hardship, exercises understanding, embodies kindness, and exemplifies leadership, all while simply enjoying the party of life.   

"My freshman through junior years taught me that If I want something, I have to work for it," Brotherton said. "Determination, persistence, and a good attitude got me through those challenges in volleyball and now I can help other girls who are struggling."