Zoey Brown, a sophomore guard for the Wildwood Middle High School girls basketball team, has already tasted state championship glory earlier this year and has her sights set on more, both in the basketball and flag football.

At 5-foot-5, Zoey played a key role as a freshman on the Wildcats’ undefeated 25-0 squad that captured the FHSAA Rural Classification state basketball title in February 2025, defeating Holmes County 65-43 in the final. It marked Wildwood’s first championship since 2018, ending heartbreak from runner-up finishes in 2022 and 2023 and a state semifinal appearance in 2024. 

“Winning the state championship during the 24-25 season with Wildwood” is Brown’s favorite high school basketball memory so far. This year for the 25-26 season, she’s off to a flying start. Zoey is averaging 16.9 points per game. She’s had plenty of help from senior Adejah Corbin who is averaging 15.3 points per game and Kayla Lyde who leads the team in rebounds. 

Coached by her father, Vincent Brown Sr. a former University of Florida running back who was part of the 2008 national championship team, Zoey started playing basketball at age 4 and has competed for 10 years. She also has a football background, beginning tackle at age 5 before switching to flag at 9.

Her father introduced her to both sports, while her brother Vincent Brown Jr. — a former Wildwood football standout and recent Florida Gators commit and cousins, including Vernell Brown III (a current Gators wide receiver), let her join pickup games growing up.

“My parents, Vincent Brown Sr. and Brittany Brown, are my role models,” Zoey says. “They push me to be the best I can every day… My brother has shown me that size doesn’t matter, and anything is possible if you work for it.”

Athletics have taught her a lot about herself: “You have to run your own race. You can’t get caught up in what others are doing. Mental toughness is necessary.” 

One pivotal piece of advice came from her father.

“You have to be a leader at all times, no matter who you’re around,’ Zoey says. “Thats’s important to me because being a leader is a standard that I’m not only held to, but one that I hold myself to.”

That motto has been a staple of coach Brown’s teams the past many years at Wildwood, including last year’s state championship team. 

Zoey has also overcome confidence struggles as a young varsity player.

“As a young player at the varsity level, I struggled with being confident consistently,” she says. “As I’ve gotten older, my confidence has improved and it’s allowed me to play the game my way.”

Playing for Wildwood is something she not only enjoys but cherishes.

“Wildwood is a great environment,” she says. “Our coach challenges us mentally and physically. We learn skills that will help us both on and off the court.”

A standout student at Wildwood with a 4.3 GPA, Zoey also volunteers with middle school girls basketball and girls volleyball. Off the court, she enjoys time with her siblings.

This season, she’s eager to defend the basketball title and chase a flag football championship. Wildwood came up just short of an FHSAA Flag-Football State Championship last year finishing as state runner-up. All the while, Zoey is dreaming bigger.

“I would love the opportunity to play either basketball or flag football at the collegiate level,” she says. “I am also interested in studying business management to one day own my own business.”

As for the 2028 Summer Olympics? “Yes, I would definitely like try out for the Olympic U.S. (women’s flag football) team if given the opportunity,” she says. “I would love that.” 

Many local girls in our area have hinted at potentially trying out for team USA ahead of girls flag football’s Olympic debut in LA for 2028. 

Her advice to young girls is “Don’t allow one bad moment, day, or season affect your perspective on something that you truly love.”