Noreli Brown
Midwest City High School
By Bryce McKinnis
Noreli Brown, Midwest City’s star pitcher and arguably its best player, doesn’t consider herself a natural leader.
“I’m actually shy and prefer not to stand out in a negative way,” the MWC junior said. “I always give my best effort and trust others to fill in the gaps. I hope that my actions and positivity inspire others to do the same, because they believe in me.”
Brown pitched 137 innings last year with 252 strikeouts and 107 walks.
“Noreli Brown is amazing in the circle,” Bombers head coach Mark Judson said. “Entering her third year, she is already a two-year starter. As we have improved our defense around her, her ERA is dropping steadily.”
Though vocal leadership can be a strain for Brown, teammates rally around her calm demeanor with ease. Brown is rarely shaken, and the Bombers feed off her example.
“As a pitcher, I have learned to let the small things go,” Brown said. “You have to improve pitch-by-pitch and not dwell on the victories or setbacks.”
Brown credits the examples of her parents, who she says hold her to a higher standard than the average teen in academics, athletics, and life. She also plays saxophone in MWC’s band, has served as class president and is on the yearbook staff.
“Through this, I have learned balance, prioritization, and forward thinking. What you do today will impact your future, and only you can decide the trajectory of the outcome.”
Brown plans to continue her athletic career at the collegiate level and become a softball coach in the future.
“I know that softball is a pathway to achieving my future goals,” Brown said. “One of my first coaches inspired me by teaching us not just to play the game, but to understand it deeply. I want to pass on my knowledge to the next generation of athletes.”
This year, Brown plans to lift her team to some big wins and reduce her walks against to hitters.
“I want my team to rally behind me in those close games,” Brown said. “I’ve been practicing hard and I’m ready to push myself out of my comfort zone. I will work hard so our team will have a better record than last season. We will improve every year.”
