Despite usually shying away from the spotlight, often glancing away from reporters during postgame interviews and deflecting praise on her teammates, she finally got to talk about herself.
Although the North Carolina softball team (24-21, 8-10 ACC) dropped two of three games in a series against Virginia (15-28, 5-10 ACC) this weekend (1-7, 10-8, 2-3), it still made for an eventful weekend for UNC’s all-time home run leader.
On Thursday night, Brown was selected by the Chicago Bandits with the No. 24 overall pick of the National Pro Fastpitch 2016 College Draft.
Brown leads UNC with a .403 batting average and 16 home runs in 2016, and although she said she didn’t feel pressure throughout the season, she added she was relieved and excitement washed over her when she heard her name called.
“I was so excited when I heard my name at the draft and I can’t wait to go to Chicago and play hard there,” Brown said. “But also knowing that when I take this Carolina jersey off, that I’m going to put a Chicago one on.”
Brown didn’t let the moment sink in too long, though, before she shifted her focus back to her current team.
She once again led the Tar Heels over the weekend, tallying six hits and five RBIs against the Cavaliers.
Overall, UNC spread out 22 hits throughout the series, compared to UVa.’s 28. Kendra Lynch started in all three games, pitching 18 1/3 innings and pitching two complete games.