From the Softball Field to the Police Force: Brookdale Alum Reflects on Lessons That Last a Lifetime

Chickie Clayton, a 2016 graduate and former two-year first baseman/outfielder for the Jersey Blues softball team, credits her time as a student-athlete at Brookdale Community College with shaping the skills she uses daily in her professional and personal life. Discipline, time management, resiliency, teamwork, and leadership—traits honed on and off the field—are now vital tools in her role as a police officer for the Wall Township Police Department.

During her two years on the field, Clayton competed in 96 games, maintained an impressive .339 batting average, hit five home runs, and drove in 76 RBIs. Her stellar performance earned her 1st Team All-GSAC and 2nd Team All-Region honors. Beyond her athletic achievements, Clayton excelled in the classroom, earning Dean’s List recognition and serving as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Reflecting on her time at Brookdale, Clayton shared, “Brookdale Community College will always hold a special place in my heart. I had excellent professors who taught me so much, coaches who made playing a sport fun, and I created lifelong friendships, especially with my BCC softball teammates. Although two years at Brookdale may not seem long, the discipline, time management, resiliency, teamwork, and leadership skills I learned and developed as a student-athlete have become paramount in my professional and personal life today.”

Now patrolling the streets of Wall Township, Clayton finds herself drawing on those skills daily. “The discipline and time management of balancing academics and playing a sport have allowed me to handle multiple calls a day and complete my reports in a timely manner,” she explained. “Resiliency as a student-athlete meant overcoming challenges on the field, whether it was winning a tough game or breaking out of a hitting slump. That same resiliency helps me face difficult days now, whether it’s a tough call or supporting someone going through a hard time.”

Clayton likens her Brookdale teammates to her fellow officers, both groups embodying collaboration and mutual support in pursuit of success. “We worked through any and all obstacles thrown at us and succeeded on the field. Today, my ‘teammates’ on the police force and I handle calls with professionalism and strive for the best possible outcomes,” she said.

Leadership is another hallmark of Clayton’s journey. “I hope my teammates remember that my goal was always to be there for them, to help and support them on and off the field. That mindset is something I carry with me every day—whether it’s for my coworkers, the people of Wall Township, my friends, or my family.”

Clayton’s gratitude for her time at Brookdale shines through in her reflection. “I am thankful for my experience as a Brookdale Community College student-athlete and forever grateful to those who helped me become the person I am today.”