Former Crowley basketball star, who had a brain tumor last year, being honored at game
Former Crowley high school basketball star Niki Newton will be honored at halftime during the Everman at Crowley boys basketball game Friday night. The game starts at 7 p.m.
She will receive the Honoring Crowley Past Award for her contributions to the school and community.
“Anytime you get a call from your Alma mater, it’s very humbling,” said Newton, who is a police officer for the Arlington Police Department. “And of course, I wouldn’t miss it for the world. It’s always good to go back where you grew up. It brings back good memories and great friendships.
“It’s an honor just to get the call, but also to be recognized in front of my hometown.”
Newton was forced to take time off last year when doctors found a rare and large tumor on her pineal gland in the middle of her brain in May. She went down to Houston for brain surgery that month.
The tumor accounts for 0.5-1.6 percent of the different types of brain tumors and is very rare if large. Most neurosurgeons will not operate because of the risks associated with the surgery, which includes paralysis or even death.
After three months, Newton returned to work in August.
“I’m doing well and as good as expected. I have a few hiccups, but I’m getting stronger and healthier everyday,” she said. “It’s still a struggle, but I’m starting to get back to my daily routine and normal life before the tumor.”
Newton was a four-time all-state selection and three-time District MVP for the Eagles from 1998-2001. She was ranked as the No. 3 high school player in the nation before starring at TCU.
She was named Gatorade Texas Player of the Year following her senior season at Crowley.
Following graduation from TCU, where Newton received her Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, she joined the Arlington Police Academy at the beginning of 2007 and has been with Arlington PD ever since.
She also serves as a School Resource Officer for Sam Houston High School and Nichols Junior High in Arlington.
“My family will be there and a lot of my friends that have seen social media will be there so it will be great to see them and catch up after such a long time,” Newton said. “I thank them all for their prayers through this process.”
This story was originally published January 31, 2020 at 7:00 AM.
