Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Justin Hunter
Brittany Parker first picked up a bat at five years old and hasn’t looked back since.
Now a senior at Carbon Hill High School, she has cemented herself as a leader on the field through her skill and the way she uplifts her teammates.
A five-year starter, Brittany was part of Carbon Hill’s back-to-back area championships in 2022 and 2023. Her favorite memory is from the 2022 season when the team made it to the 3A state tournament. “That was the most fun we’ve ever done as a team,” she says.
Softball hasn’t always been easy. Just before making the varsity team at Carbon Hill, Brittany cracked a growth plate in her throwing arm. Playing left field, that could have been a major setback, but she adjusted. “It really threw me off,” she admits, “but we worked around it, and I was still able to play.” That resilience has shaped her into the kind of player who finds a way to push through challenges.
Beyond the game itself, softball has helped Brittany grow socially. “It’s made me realize there are a lot of good people out there,” she says. “It’s also helped me come out of my shell and be more comfortable talking to new people.” That confidence will carry over as she moves on to become a cosmetologist after graduation.
Brittany’s leadership in the dugout comes through in how she encourages her teammates. She’s the first to remind them that mistakes happen and that challenges are part of the game. “Sometimes I pull them aside and remind them that it’s okay and everyone makes mistakes. It’s no big deal, and they’ll move past it. We just talk it out and get better together.”
Brittany isn’t focused on personal stats as her high school career winds down. “I just want us to have a good season and make sure everyone stays in good spirits and doesn’t get too hard on themselves.”
This may be her last season on the softball field, but the lessons she’s learned will stick with her. Whether she’s playing, working, or encouraging those around her, Brittany will keep making an impact. WL
