CAC News

Get to Know BrookLynn White, USM Golden Eagle

By Alicia Easley Dec 1, 2022 5 Min Read
“Her stats are very impressive and even more than that is her character. BrookLynn is an all-around athlete who loves to compete. Her drive and determination are evident every day. She shows up early in the morning for in-season workouts, has an after-school practice and then most every day will leave from there to go to a hitting lesson, pitching lesson or another workout. I have never heard her complain about having to do any of it. Her passion, determination and hard work has led her here and she will be a great addition to the program at Southern Miss.” – CAC Coach Lynn Brown

Senior BrookLynn White is a standout pitcher on the Mustang Softball Team. She has enjoyed success both in the circle and at the plate during her career at CAC. This past spring, BrookLynn posted a 15-4 record with 161 strikeouts. She had a 1.89 ERA in 100 innings pitched. She also hit .538 and flashed power with 14 homers to go along with 8 doubles and 44 RBIS. She was a member of the All-State Team and the All-State Tournament Team.

On November 9, BrookLynn signed her commitment letter to pitch at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. We sat down with BrookLynn to learn more about her softball career, what she’s looking forward to during her senior season at CAC, and why she’s excited to further her education at USM.

You recently signed with Southern Miss to play college softball! Congratulations! How long have you been playing softball?

I’ve been playing since I was 4 years old!

Did you grow up playing other sports or have you strictly been a softball player?

I played a lot of sports growing up. When I was four or five years old, I dabbled in soccer, but it did not take long for me to realize that was not my sport. I also swam for the Maumelle Marlins and Monticello Marlins from ages five to 11. I had been big in competitive dance for five years, before I decided that softball would become my main focus. Now I am mostly just playing softball, but I have played volleyball for CAC since 7th grade and I just finished my senior season.

You’re a pitcher – did you play other positions along the way?

I played catcher for over four years, but I just kept getting taller and taller so we decided first base and pitcher would be my best positions.

Also, you’re a really good hitter. Pitchers who can hit are sort of a rare breed. Do you think that made a difference in your recruitment?

I think it did! Most pitchers only play on the field, but I have always loved hitting. When I went to my first camp at Southern Miss I did really well hitting and pitching. Although, I think hitting their scoreboard may have really caught their eye LOL!

Did you ever find it difficult to balance school life with sports?  If so, how are you able to find balance?

I still find it difficult sometimes to this day. I will say I have had some very late nights doing homework after my practices, but what really helps is using my free time in study hall or class to get ahead on my homework and studies. 

What are you most looking forward to about your senior season at CAC?

I am looking forward to having fun with my teammates and competing to win state. I am very competitive, but what I am really excited about is being able to help my teammates have the best season possible. 

You’re part of Coach Poole’s inaugural signing class at USM. What stood out about Coach Pool and the USM program that made you want to be a Golden Eagle?

When I went to the campus for the first time I absolutely fell in love! Coach Poole just made that love for USM even stronger. Anyone who has met her can tell you how caring and kind she is. I can really feel her compassion towards each and every one of her players (current and future)! Although I did look at quite a few other schools, USM just felt like home. 

What are you most looking forward to during your college softball career?

I’m looking forward to the college experience and forming amazing relationships with my teammates. I have always dreamed of playing softball at the collegiate level, so I am going to soak up every bit of it. The next four years are going to be a blast!

Were there any athletes that you looked up to when you were growing up?  If not, who has been your biggest influence and helped you to get where you are today?

There were no specific athletes that I looked up to. However, when I saw any college softball player on TV, I would study every move they made. I wanted to look like them when I was out on the field. Overall, my biggest influence had to have been my parents. They have always been so driven and just wonderful role models. I want to be the same in sports and my future career. 

Speaking of future career, have you decided what your major will be at USM?

The medical field has always held an interest for me, especially when it comes to working with children.  Right now, I am really taking a hard look at Speech Pathology and Audiology.

For younger athletes who might be reading this, what would you tell them? How can they best pave their own path to playing at the collegiate level?

First, always remember that you are playing for fun, so don’t take things so seriously that you miss the silly and funny parts! Also, always be confident in yourself, not cocky, but confident. If you believe in yourself and your abilities, and with a lot of practice and hard work, you will reach whatever goals you want to achieve. Lastly, if you hit a slump in any sport you play, DO NOT GIVE UP! Push through and you will come out better than you ever were. Find that passion for your sport and thrive with it!