When Alex Brown laced up her cleats for South Effingham High School (Class of 2021) as a freshman in 2017, she dreamed of playing big-time college softball. Fast forward to 2025, and the former Mustang standout has not only starred for two of the top college programs in the nation at North Carolina and Clemson but is now continuing in the professional fastpitch softball ranks in the Fastpitch United Pro Series League with the New York Rise.
Alex shared insights on the journey through each level of play, discussed how the community helped her get where she is, revealed some lesser-known facts about herself, and talked about what life might be like after her softball career.
The Transition - High School to College to Pro Ball
In high school, Brown stood out at South Effingham, leading her team to the Elite Eight and earning Region 2-6A Player of the Year honors. She also played travel ball, where she noticed a higher level of competition.
"High school softball is really mixed," Brown said. "Some girls play just for fun or because their friends convinced them to join. Then you have some teams with girls who are really serious and talented. So, the competition can be all over the place. It was fun, but not always consistent," she stated. Brown also played a lot of fastpitch travel ball during her high school career.
“Travel ball is more competitive—especially if you’re on a good team playing against other good teams at big tournaments. The competition is more consistent than in high school.”
Brown was an All-ACC First Team selection for the last two seasons at Clemson. She accumulated 200 hits in her career and set school records while helping her team win the ACC Championship for the first time in program history and reach a Super Regional.
"College is a big step up from both. The pitching is much faster. In high school, you might see 50–60 mph pitches. In college, you're seeing mid-60s regularly and maybe 70s. That was a huge difference."
Now, in the Fastpitch United Pro Series, Brown is competing against players she once watched on TV—including some of the sport's biggest names. Through eight games with the Rise, she's batting .381 with eight hits, seven RBIs, and four runs scored—a seamless transition to pro-level play.
"I feel like the pitching is similar to college," Brown said. "But I think the hitting is probably just more elite — the nine-hole hitter in this league might be a leadoff in college."
Growth through Community Assistance
Brown's roots in the Savannah-area sports community remain strong. She credits her parents, local coaches, and high school mentors for helping shape her on and off the field.
"I just think back to where I've come from. I try to stay super humble because I know that it took a village to get me where I am today," Brown said. "It starts with my parents, my brother, and the household—but also the people who started me with travel ball, and the ones who worked with me in high school. Not just in Effingham, but all around the Savannah area—they helped me reach college and now pro ball, which is insane to even think about."
She highlighted moments that reflect how those connections still matter.
"My high school coach, Coach Evans, brought her kids to watch me play a few games this past year—even though I hadn't seen them in years. Coach Newland has reached out to support me but hasn't even coached me directly! That kind of connection is rare," she said. "Some of my old college teammates say they don't stay in touch with their coaches, but we care about each other in our southeast Georgia community. That's something special."
Brown says that foundation of support continues to shape who she is—not just as a competitor but also as a person in and out of uniform.
Get to Know Alex Brown Off the Field
Alex has a few unexpected sides that fans might not know about when she's not at her position on the field, third base, or ripping hits. We asked her three quick questions to learn more about her life beyond softball.
Beyond the Ballfield: Alex Brown's Off-Field Interests
PSR: What's one hobby or interest you've picked up off the field that might surprise fans or teammates?
Alex Brown:
"Oh man… hobbies outside of the softball field? Did I even have time for anything beyond that?
Yeah — not very many, to be honest with you. I feel like in college, during the spring season — not very much, just because it's so hard. You're doing schoolwork and finals.
I'm a movie watcher. I love binge-watching movies and shows.
But I also like to go on walks and listen to music—that's a big thing now since we're traveling so much, and it helps me have peace of mind.
I'll be in a hotel—we've been in one for the past four or five days and are in another right now. So I'll wear my headphones and walk around to clear my head.
It seems wild that you will be in hotels until the end of June.
I've been trying to find things to keep my mind entertained—even on the plane. A lot of them involve music.
Or I mean, I like to read, and I watch a lot of shows. Nothing too crazy — just little things to keep me balanced."
Even in the whirlwind of her schedule, Brown finds time for small routines that keep her grounded — walking to music or getting lost in a good show.
What's on Alex Brown's Game Day Playlist?
PSR: What's' your go-to music playlist — whether relaxing or before a big game?
Alex Brown:
"Yeah, when it's just me, and I'm not playing softball — it's probably country.
But when it's before a game — it's most likely rap. To get me pumped up.
I will say some of my teammates have been into — they call it like '"DAD "music' — it's kind of like they're getting me into some rock songs, which I kinda like.
Oh, some Nickelback and stuff like that.
So I've been getting into a little bit of rock and some old school there, too — so that's kinda been hyping me up."
Whether it's laid-back country vibes off the field or high-energy rap (and even some throwback rock) before the first pitch, Brown's playlist proves she's got range — just like her game.
Three Athletes at Alex Brown's Dream Dinner Table
During our Q&A, we asked professional softball player Alex Brown a fun question to get a glimpse of who inspires her off the field:
PSR: If you could have dinner with any three athletes, past or present, who would you choose and why?
Alex Brown:
"OK, that's it — I love that question. I have one in mind — let me think of the other two.
OK, I'll go with Rafael Nadal. He is my favorite athlete of all time — a tennis player — amazing. So Rafael Nadal.
Then, Ronald Acuña Jr. from the Braves. I'm obsessed with him — his swing.
And then — probably gotta go with a basketball person. I'll go with LeBron James or Caitlin Clark.
I want to contact Caitlin to find out how she's handling everything. As someone who's just graduated from college, I'm curious about her experiences and how she's navigating this busy time in her life. That would be a worthwhile conversation."
From tennis icons to MLB superstars to the newest face of women's basketball, Alex Brown's dream dinner guests reflect her passion for athletic excellence and curiosity about the journeys of today's top performers.
What's Next for Alex Brown After Playing?
Even as her professional softball career is just getting started, Alex Brown is already thinking ahead—and she knows she's not done with the game anytime soon.
PSR: Once your playing days are over, do you see yourself coaching, broadcasting, or taking a different path outside of sports?
Alex Brown:
"Yeah, so I'm not ready to leave the game.
My mind is definitely in the coaching world in some capacity.
PSR: Your dad (Kevin Brown -longtime high school baseball coach) didn't rub off much.
Yeah, exactly. Me and my brother KC — we said growing up, we were like, 'We're not gonna coach, we're not gonna coach' — and then look at us now, right?
But I'm not sure if I want to get into coaching. So that's part of the reason I want to be a GA (Graduate Assistant)—to see the behind-the-scenes through a different lens—not as a player anymore.
And I want to know if I want to get into the different roles. There are player development roles and recruiting roles. You see, I can help with film and all that stuff.
There are different aspects to it. I'm just not sure which lane I want to get into.
But I want to stay around the game in some capacity. So that's where my mind's at right now."
Whether it's coaching, recruiting, or developing the next generation of athletes, Brown is keeping her options open—but one thing is sure: softball will remain at the center of it all.
A Career Just Getting Started
Alex Brown's softball journey isn't over—it's just getting started. From her hometown in Effingham County to big college games and now pro softball, she's never forgotten her roots or lost sight of her goals.
Whether she leads off, plays at third base, or spends time with teammates on the road, Alex plays the game with heart and pride.
She's not only chasing her dreams—she's also helping inspire the next generation of players.
No matter where softball takes her next, one thing is clear: Alex Brown is just getting warmed up.
Next Up:
Brown and the New York Rise return to action tonight, June 20, 2025, as they continue their opening road trip in Bradenton, Florida, against the Florida Vibe.
New York Rise 2025 Schedule
| NY RISE 2025 Schedule | |||
| Date | Time | Opponent | Location |
| WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11 | 8:30 PM | New York Rise vs KC Diamonds | Blue Valley Northwest High School, Overland Park, KS |
| THURSDAY, JUNE 12 | 6:00 PM | New York Rise vs Florida Vibe | Blue Valley Northwest High School, Overland Park, KS |
| THURSDAY, JUNE 12 | 8:30 PM | New York Rise vs KC Diamonds | Blue Valley Northwest High School, Overland Park, KS |
| FRIDAY, JUNE 13 | 6:00 PM | New York Rise vs Florida Vibe | Blue Valley Northwest High School, Overland Park, KS |
| SUNDAY, JUNE 15 | 8:00 PM | New York Rise vs Oklahoma City Spark | Oklahoma Christian University, Edmond, OK |
| MONDAY, JUNE 16 | 8:00 PM | New York Rise vs Oklahoma City Spark | Oklahoma Christian University, Edmond, OK |
| TUESDAY, JUNE 17 | 8:00 PM | New York Rise vs Oklahoma City Spark | Oklahoma Christian University, Edmond, OK |
| WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18 | 8:00 PM | New York Rise vs Oklahoma City Spark | Oklahoma Christian University, Edmond, OK |
| FRIDAY, JUNE 20 | 6:30 PM | New York Rise vs Florida Vibe | SCF Softball Complex, Bradenton, FL |
| SATURDAY, JUNE 21 | 6:30 PM | New York Rise vs Florida Vibe | SCF Softball Complex, Bradenton, FL |
| SUNDAY, JUNE 22 | 12:00 PM | New York Rise vs Florida Vibe | SCF Softball Complex, Bradenton, FL |
| MONDAY, JUNE 23 | 6:00 PM | New York Rise vs Orlando Monarchs | UCF Softball Field, Orlando, FL |
| THURSDAY, JUNE 26 | 7:00 PM | New York Rise vs Atlanta Smoke | Bill Edwards Stadium, Hempstead, NY |
| FRIDAY, JUNE 27 | 7:00 PM | New York Rise vs Atlanta Smoke | Bill Edwards Stadium, Hempstead, NY |
| SATURDAY, JUNE 28 | 7:00 PM | New York Rise vs Atlanta Smoke | Bill Edwards Stadium, Hempstead, NY |
| MONDAY, JUNE 30 | 3:00 PM | New York Rise vs TC Colorado | Loveland, CO |
| TUESDAY, JULY 1 | 11:00 AM | New York Rise vs Florida Vibe | Fort Collins, CO |
| WEDNESDAY, JULY 2 | 3:00 PM | New York Rise vs Oklahoma City Spark | Fort Collins, CO |
| THURSDAY, JULY 3 | TBD | New York Rise vs TBD | Aurora, CO |
| FRIDAY, JULY 4 | 8:00 PM | New York Rise vs Atlanta Smoke | Atlanta, GA |
| SATURDAY, JULY 5 | 8:00 PM | New York Rise vs Atlanta Smoke | Atlanta, GA |
| SUNDAY, JULY 6 | 8:00 PM | New York Rise vs Atlanta Smoke | Atlanta, GA |
| TUESDAY, JULY 8 | 7:00 PM | New York Rise vs Florida Vibe | Bill Edwards Stadium, Hempstead, NY |
| WEDNESDAY, JULY 9 | 7:00 PM | New York Rise vs Florida Vibe | Bill Edwards Stadium, Hempstead, NY |
| TUESDAY, JULY 15 | 7:00 PM | New York Rise vs Oklahoma City Spark | Bill Edwards Stadium, Hempstead, NY |
| WEDNESDAY, JULY 16 | 7:00 PM | New York Rise vs Oklahoma City Spark | Bill Edwards Stadium, Hempstead, NY |
| THURSDAY, JULY 17 | 7:00 PM | New York Rise vs Oklahoma City Spark | Bill Edwards Stadium, Hempstead, NY |
| FRIDAY, JULY 18 | 7:00 PM | New York Rise vs Oklahoma City Spark | Bill Edwards Stadium, Hempstead, NY |
| MONDAY, JULY 21 | 7:00 PM | New York Rise vs Orlando Monarchs | Bill Edwards Stadium, Hempstead, NY |
| TUESDAY, JULY 22 | 7:00 PM | New York Rise vs Orlando Monarchs | Bill Edwards Stadium, Hempstead, NY |
| WEDNESDAY, JULY 23 | 7:00 PM | New York Rise vs Orlando Monarchs | Bill Edwards Stadium, Hempstead, NY |
Photo Credit: Courtesy NY Rise, Clemson Athletics and Alex Brown's social media pages
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