Nya Brown remembers how her brother Jayden’s passion for the game and his alleged athletic prowess led to her softball career.

“My brother played baseball and I just remember him coming home, talking about his games, and just seemed to love the game,” said the Whitehall senior outfielder. “He and I were always competitive with each other and so he would boast about him being more athletic and all these things, so I thought to myself, ‘let me start softball so I can become better than him,’ and that is exactly what I did.”

Brown started playing softball at the age of eight, and it has been a steady flow. Her brother and mother, Stephanie, both have been driving forces along her road.

“I began playing rec, than moved to travel and started playing school ball,” noted Brown. “My brother and mom definitely had the biggest influence on my career because they were always supportive and pushed me to become better every day. My mom took me to every single practice and was always making me put in extra work just so that I could become more crisp and comfortable on the field, and I think that shows to where I am at now.”

Over the past few seasons, Brown has played an integral part in the Whitehall program, helping them to a district title last season. This season, she was hitting .461 with four RBIs and seven hits through the Zephyrs first seven games in which they posted a 5-2 record.

Brown expects herself and the team to raise the bar this season.

“This season I have really high expectations and I expect it to be successful,” beamed Brown. “Everyone, including myself, expects to make leagues and districts. We go into every game with the mentality of playing our game and making these other teams come to our level, playing for each other, and not letting other teams change our style of play and the way we are. That is why I think we have found much success.”

As a senior, Brown understands her anticipated role.

“I see myself being a leader and being role model for the underclassmen, so they can see and be prepared when they come to the varsity level,” she said. “As far as in game, I see myself doing good things in the lineup and on defense, making those hard plays for my pitcher, so she can get rest and be ready to pitch the rest of the game.”

Head coach Jeff Vivian has admired Brown for her quick and smooth transition to the field from the basketball court, where she has equally shined for the past few seasons.

“Nya is an interesting player,” stressed Vivian. “She comes right out of basketball into softball. So we spend a lot of time getting her eyes right for hitting.

“This year she’s back in right field for her third year, and you can really see her athleticism and strength as soon as she steps between the white lines. At the plate we changed her swing and stance a little. To her credit she has listened and adapted. She’s hitting over 400, and driven in a ton of runs for us. She’s a middle of the lineup hitter and her swing has been just so much more productive for her.”