VALENTINE, Neb. — The Valentine Lady Badgers are competing at the state golf tournament, but this year’s trip means far more than a shot at a title.

Fire trucks lined the streets Sunday as the community sent off the girls’ golf team — not in response to an emergency, but in celebration.

“It feels so great having such a supportive community,” said junior Joni Cox.

The Lady Badgers have had a standout season, taking first place at districts.

“This year more than ever we’re really close,” said junior Tierney Miller.

But the past few weeks have been especially emotional.

“We had a golf meet that day, and then we heard that Brooklyn is not going to be there because she had a little car accident,” said senior Grace Murphy. “Then it turned into this big thing, so it puts into perspective how quickly things can change.”

Their teammate, sophomore Brooklyn Coyle, underwent a CT scan after the accident. While she wasn’t injured in the crash, doctors discovered a brain tumor.

“Hearing any kind of diagnosis like that in general is hard and seems so wild, but when you think about a young girl going through this, it hits the heart a little different,” said Co-Head Girls Golf Coach Ashley McSweeney.

Earlier this month, Brooklyn had surgery, and doctors were able to remove most of the tumor.

“She’s got that fighting spirit always,” said Co-Head Coach Shawna Houdek. “Throughout the season, she was always fighting to be one of the ones who got to go. We don’t always get to take very many girls to the tournaments, but she never let that stop her. She always wanted to do her best in everything. It was so exciting to think that the Valentine Invite was the last golf meet she went to, and she medaled at it. I was super excited for her, and I know she’s going to fight really hard.”

This week, Brooklyn’s teammates are playing for her. The team has dedicated their season to their friend, adding purple ribbons to their golf bags in her honor.

“Support her, and show her that we’re all here for her,” said senior Sam Sprenger.

“It really gives us the motivation to finish off the season strong and have it on our heart that we’re doing this for her,” said Murphy.

As the community gathered to cheer on the team during their sendoff, the girls say they hope Brooklyn feels that same support in her own battle.

“Hopefully with everyone supporting her, she’ll make it out stronger,” said Sprenger.

“It just becomes something way more than a team,” added Murphy.

“We miss her. We can’t wait to see her,” Houdek said.

A spaghetti feed and silent auction benefit for Brooklyn will be held Nov. 9 from 2 to 6 p.m. Mountain Time at the Niobrara Valley Vineyard. Donations can also be made through Venmo or her CaringBridge page.