Sportzwire's Athlete of the Week: Brooke Kalteski - A Leader on the Green and Beyond

By: Carrie Miner Yaple | Sportzwire | September 8, 2025 | Photo courtesy Sportzwire

RIVERSIDE — Whether she’s leading her undefeated golf team, firing up the crowd on the football field, or giving back through community service, Riverside senior Brooke Kalteski does it all with grace, focus, and heart. This week, Sportzwire proudly names Brooke Kalteski our 'Wired' Athlete of the Week, celebrating her standout achievements in sports, academics, and service.

From Grandpa’s Golf Buddy to Team Captain

Golf may be a quiet sport, but for Brooke Kalteski, it’s where her strongest voice shines. Her passion for the game began long before high school, on the driving range with her grandfather.

“He inspired me to golf,” Brooke said. “We would go to the range and golf 9 holes from time to time.”

That early bonding time blossomed into a love for the sport that has grown ever since. Brooke officially joined her school’s golf team the summer before 7th grade and hasn’t looked back. Now a senior, she has served as team captain for both her junior and senior seasons.

“I like that golf is played on my time,” she shared. “It’s peaceful. I enjoy nature and being outdoors.”

That calm demeanor has translated into major success on the course. In junior high, she earned a medal at the Scott Green's Invitational for the lowest score. This year, she led the way again at the Sleepy Hollow Invitational, posting the lowest senior girls’ score among competitors from six different schools.

A Perfect Season and Playoff Push

Brooke has been a key contributor to Riverside’s impressive 12-0 record this season. Her team is set to compete in Pre-Districts on Monday, Sept. 8, at Honesdale Golf Course, with hopes of advancing further into postseason play.

To qualify for Pre-Districts, players had to maintain a season average of 60 or below. Districts qualification will require a score of 100 or under — a challenge Brooke is more than prepared for.

She credits much of her success to her coaches: Mr. Lindsay, the boys’ coach who works with all student golfers, and Mr. Yarem.

“They have made a very big impact on me,” Brooke said. “They work together to make the team great.”

Bringing the Energy as a Cheerleader

Brooke is not just known for her quiet focus on the golf course, she also brings high energy and spirit to the sidelines as a cheerleader for both football and basketball.

She’s been cheering since 9th grade and previously did competitive cheer as a child. What she loves most? The field atmosphere on game day.

“I enjoy cheering with my friends,” she said. “We communicate well so we are the best we can be.”

Scholar. Leader. Volunteer.

Brooke's excellence doesn't end with sports. She has been ranked 2nd in her class since 9th grade and has maintained High Honors throughout high school. She’s also a proud member of the National Honor Society, currently enrolled in two AP courses, and always striving for balance between academics and athletics.

Outside the classroom and off the field, Brooke is deeply committed to community service. Last year, she completed 90 hours of service and already has 29 hours logged this year, and the school year just began.

One of her proudest efforts is running the Uniform Drive at Riverside, a project started by her older sister Ava (Riverside Class of 2023). Brooke has fully taken the reins, helping collect and distribute around 3,000 clothing items per year to local students.

She also supports Spike’s for Vikes, a volleyball tournament where all proceeds benefit a student in need. The event, founded by teacher Miss Hoskins, is a yearly tradition Brooke holds close to her heart.

Family First

When asked who has inspired her the most, Brooke’s answer was immediate: her family.

“My parents, Kim and Nathan, have always been here to support and love me unconditionally. They push me to be my best self every day.”

She also credits her sister Ava as someone she can always rely on, especially when it comes to school and sports. And her grandparents have been a constant presence, showing up to every football and basketball game to cheer her on — from the stands, this time.

“They have taught me to treat everyone with kindness,” Brooke said of her family.

What’s Next?

As for whether she’ll continue her golf career in college, Brooke isn’t sure just yet, but it’s on the table. Regardless of where she tees off next, there’s no doubt she’ll bring the same leadership, humility, and dedication that’s made her such a force at Riverside.

Congratulations to Brooke Kalteski, Sportzwire’s Athlete of the Week, a true example of what it means to be a student-athlete, a teammate, and a leader in her community.

A special thank you to our partners at Envy Electrical for helping us shine some light on these athletes week in and week out this year. 

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