NCSA caught up with rising softball star Lindsay Brown to talk about her high school career and the opportunity to compete at the next level.
NCSA: What motivates you before a big game?
Brown: Music. I love energetic music -- from rock to rap, It gets me pumped up! I have a playlist on my Ipod with all my favorite songs. I play the same songs in the same order right before every game.
NCSA: What are you looking forward to if and when you get the opportunity to play in college?
Brown: I'm looking forward to playing aganist a higher level of competition. I'm also looking forward to traveling and meeting new people from around the country. It's very exciting to think about being in a whole new surrounding and experiencing life on a whole new level.
NCSA: Why did you get involved in softball?
Brown: I started out playing softball because my friend played on a T-ball team, and I wanted to play with her. After that, I found out that I really loved it. Since then, it's the only sport that I have ever wanted play. Also, my dad played baseball and I grew up watching it on t.v. and going to Orioles games to watch my favorite player, Cal Ripken. They both inspired me to play; I wanted to be just like them.
NCSA: Tell us about your interactions with college coaches so far.
Brown: I've been getting lots of letters from different colleges from all over the country and they are coming so quickly! I never thought there would be so many colleges from other states contacting me. Its really exciting thinking about all the choices of schools there are in different states.
NCSA: How are your team(s) doing so far?
Brown: This is my first year playing with my travel team, and so far it’s been great. We are a very competitive team that works well together. This year we will face some of the best competition in the country, so we are expecting a very challenging and exciting softball season. I have been pushed harder on this team than ever before and it has paid off by making me a stronger player than I've ever been.
NCSA: What are your goals – athletically, academically and in your community – for the rest of the school year?
Brown: Athletically, I want to keep getting better. There is always something to improve on, and I am always striving to work harder and do the best I can. The thing I'm really working to improve on is increasing my speed on the bases. Being a lefty, that's especially advantageous. Academically, I want to continue my hard work in the classroom to prepare me for a successful college career.
NCSA: Tell us about what you’ve learned since being with NCSA.
Brown: NCSA has opened my eyes to how much work is involved in getting into college and has forced me to push myself both academically and athletically. They have helped me learn the right ways to approach a college coach and what questions to ask to ensure a school is a good fit for me. As far as playing at the next level, I know it will be a challenge, but now I'm ready.
