Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Justin Hunter
Karley Bruner started playing softball later than most, but once she found the game, she never looked back.
Unlike many athletes who grow up with a bat in their hands, she didn’t step onto the field until seventh grade. Even then, circumstances didn’t make it easy. Her middle school team’s season was canceled due to COVID, and the following year, a lack of players meant she was thrown into junior varsity.
Her introduction to softball was a mix of fate and friendship. Her best friend, Izzy, signed her up, and her mother’s history with the sport gave her extra motivation.
“I ended up loving it,” Karley says. “School ball started out rough, but then I got into travel ball, and that’s when I really fell in love with the game.”
Now a senior at Oakman High School, Karley plays second and third base for the Wildcats, balancing a full academic schedule with her responsibilities on the field. With a 4.0 GPA and leadership roles in FBLA, FCCLA, SGA, and Beta Club, she’s learned to thrive under pressure. Her success is the result of discipline, hard work, and a structured routine.
“After practice, if I have homework, I do it right away,” she says. “I get up early to work out, then go to school, then practice, then home.” That dedication has paid off, both in the classroom and in competition.
But her success hasn’t come without challenges. She struggled with confidence early on, especially in her JV years. Learning to put in the work, trust herself, and not dwell on mistakes made all the difference.
“Playing softball has made me more confident. Socially, it’s helped me a lot and taught me that nothing is given to you; you have to work hard for everything,” she says.
Without hesitation, she names her mother as her biggest influence in life. But on the field, her travel ball coach, Amy Butler, and her Oakman coach, Paten Williams, have made the most impact.
“Amy brought us all together over the summer, and travel ball became such a fun, free environment with her,” Karley says. “Coach Paten sees you as a person before she sees you as a player. She separates the two, and that really stuck with me.”
As a teammate, Karley is a leader, always looking for ways to support and uplift those around her. She values the friendships and trust built within her team, whether it’s talking through plays, keeping spirits high, or making sure everyone knows they have each other’s backs.
With her final season underway, Karley has her eyes set on a big goal: taking Oakman to the state tournament for the first time.
“I want us to make it to state,” she says. “And I want to make sure we all grow, not just as athletes, but as people.”
Despite her love for the sport, Karley won’t be continuing softball at the collegiate level. Instead, she’s earned a scholarship to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she plans to pursue a career in nursing. Her competitive spirit and work ethic will no doubt serve her well in that field, just as they have on the field. WL
