Lafayette Native Brooks Barnhizer Posts Heartfelt Message to Northwestern Fans

Brooks Barnhizer's career at Northwestern ended in an unfortunate way. Battling a foot injury, the senior will watch the remainder of the 2024-25 season from the sidelines, drawing his time with the Wildcats to an end.

Barnhizer was in the middle of the most productive season of his career. The Lafayette, Ind. native was averaging 17.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.3 steals per game. He was one of the toughest, most intense players in the Big Ten.

This week, Barnhizer released a heartfelt message on social media geared towards Northwestern fans, students, alumni and everyone else associated with the school and basketball program. He titled it, "Dear Northwestern."

"Four years ago, I had no idea what the phrase 'Dear Northwestern' would mean to me. Now, as I grapple with an injury, I know that it means everything.

"'Dear Northwestern' means I'm addressing all the people that made my time as a Wildcat the most intense, beautiful and transforming years of my life. It means I'm addressing all of my teammates, coaches, and friends. It means I'm addressing an entire community that has shaped me into the person I am today.

"And here i say: Our story is far from over. Because as I go forward in my career, this incredible place will stay with me through it all. And at every turn — with every loose ball, lost tooth, and bloody nose — I'll be representing the people here in Evanston that changed my life."