PREP SOFTBALL: West Point’s Brown signs with Snead State

Published 4:02 pm Friday, November 30, 2018

WEST POINT — Makayla Brown will continue her softball career at Snead State Community College.

The talented West Point senior made the decision official on Friday afternoon, inking a scholarship with the Lady Parsons surrounded by family, friends, teammates, coaches and administrators inside the high school library.

Brown said the accomplishment was a culmination of hard work and terrific support.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted since I was a little kid,” she remarked. “I give credit to a bunch of different people, but to my dad mainly. He has helped me the whole way. He was my coach and my dad at the same time. That’s hard to do, but he balanced it perfectly and always motivated me to do extra. Now that I’ve reached this goal, it’s a wave of happiness and excitement. I’m also kind of nervous, but I’m ready to play.”

Brown, who plays first base for the Lady Warriors, has provided a steady presence in the middle of the lineup since her varsity debut as a freshman.

Last season, she batted .389 with 10 home runs and 51 RBIs. 

She also crafted a .465 on-base percentage to go along with a 1.226 OPS. Her contributions helped West Point win its fifth straight Cullman County title.

This time next year, she’ll be playing her part at Snead State.

“I was looked at by other schools, but I wanted to go to Snead because of coach Tracy (Grindrod),” Brown said. “He’s just a really good coach all the way around, and I wanted to be in his program. I also thought that a smaller school was better for me coming from a small school.”

Eric Pendley has no doubt Brown’s talents will translate to the next level.

After all, the West Point coach has watched her grow throughout the years and was as happy as anybody when she put pen to paper on Friday.

“I’m really proud of Makayla knowing how hard she’s worked for this,” he said. “This was one of her goals. It’s exciting for our program, for the younger kids to see that hard work pays off. She’s a good leader, and it’s just an exciting day for Makayla and her family.”

As for Brown, there’s still some unfinished business to attend to at West Point.

“I’m wanting to win area this year,” she said. “I think we have a very good chance. That’s what I plan on doing.”