The sun dipped low, casting long shadows over the diamond, as the crack of the bat echoed like a gunshot. Brookelyn Grayson watched the ball
descend down, quick on her feet as she intercepted the fly and threw to first base. Plays like this are com- mon for her, as she supports her team as the backbone of the defense, a wall in the infield. She combines agility, sharp instincts, and relentless hustle to keep opposing batters on their toes, making every play look effortless.
Grayson is a senior at NHS who recently signed to Division-I softball at Duke. She has been playing the sport since the age of five, and is currently also staring for the Indiana Shockwaves. She will be playing this spring with the Miller squad as a shortstop. According to Grayson, her passion for softball ignited through a family bond
“My sister started playing, and I wanted to do what she was doing. I actually started out as a catcher because she was a pitcher, and I would catch for her,” Grayson said.
Throughout her softball career, Grayson has gained many unique experiences. However, according to Grayson a tournament in California known for hosting elite players around the country, was one of her most memorable experiences, not because it was pleasant, but because it was incredibly challenging.
“We went to California and played five games in one day. We were in the losers’ bracket, so we kept playing without a stop,” Grayson said. “Even though
it was hard and we were all tired and sweaty, just knowing we were playing together made it an amazing experience. We ended up winning all those games,”
At the end of the day, softball is a team sport and having that team dynamic is one of her priorities for the team’s success. As a senior on the squad, Grayson demonstrates leadership through her inclusiveness.
“It’s important to include everyone, especially with different age groups. As seniors, we try to talk to everyone and make sure no one feels left out. We also try to build confidence in the younger players, which really helps the team’s chemistry,” Grayson said.
Nevaeh Nash, a senior at NHS, is a long-time teammate and friend of Grayson. As a result, Nash knows how valuable Grayson can be.
“She’s just a great teammate. Her work ethic really shows, and she inspires all of her teammates, even me, to just be better. She provides a good person to look up to,” Nash said.
With her unselfish play and hard work, her team- mates weren’t surprised to see Grayson get scouted by Duke, a team currently 16th nationally according to ESPN and that was ranked 1st last year. Grayson is not going to just any college, she’s going to one of the best rated softball programs in the United States.
“I went to play in a tournament where the Duke coach came to watch me. I was already reaching out to her, and that game I played well, so she invited me to a camp, which ultimately helped get an offer, which I accepted,” Grayson said.
Balancing academics with athletics can be challenging, but Grayson is confident in her ability to manage both. While Grayson didn’t always envision Duke as
a school she could possibly attend, she is more than grateful for not just the academic opportunity, but also be able to live out her passion on the diamond.
“I’m going to major in biology. Some of the girls on the team are doing the same,” Grayson said, “so I know
it’s going to be hard managing both, but I think with their help, I can make it work.”
