In my later teenage years, I watched phenomenal teams play Oregon from home on TV. So when 2021 came, I tapped into the rivalry when I transferred to Oregon. Covid ended up shortening my first spring term, so I returned home for a few years. In Spetember 2023, I returned the year the Huskies came to Jane Sanders to face our Ducks.
I watched every game the Huskies played against our Ducks in this series. We were able to get a win, but for me that was not the main goal. It was attending new places and meeting new faces. So, I did a quick scouting report to see if there were any older players left from those dominant teams.
The only person I remembered from those 2019-2022 teams was Brooke Nelson, from Bonney Lake, Washington.
Source: National Signing Day | Brooke Nelson | Washington Huskies
I was a little older then from the three-year hiatus, but I felt it would be easier to meet because we are a year apart. It was good to know that there were people my age still playing collegiately, so I did not feel old attending sporting events as a 23-24 year old student.
So, I decided to introduce myself after the game. It has been a year since and I have done plenty of work with NALD. Since class has helped me sharpen my digital writing skills, it was time to call up some originals I met last year, given I did not have a digital platform.
This past weekend, I caught up with Brooke to take a deeper dive into her collegiate and professional career. I interviewed her over zoom, having a blast getting to know more about her life and her why behind the game of softball.
Source: Brooke Nelson | Notice EL
“I was able to get my Undergraduate Degree in Communications and then complete a Master’s Degree in Communication Digital Media. From there, I got the opportunity to play professionally in Puerto Rico for Cidra Bravas, where we won the National Championship,” Nelson said.
Brooke chose Washington because it was close to home. Her family went to Husky sporting events throughout her childhood. Her father playing for Don James and winning a national championship in football helped. Brooke eventually would create her own postseason success, by playing in the Women’s College World Series.
Source: Brooke Nelson | X | Washington Softball
“Playing at the World Series in Oklahoma City is always a dream come true because you grow up watching it on TV year after year. One of my favorite moments as a Husky was playing at home against McNeese State in 2023.”
Brooke had a very special role in that game. She was the closing pitcher, capping the “Seven in Seven Miracle on Montlake,” where Washington scored seven straight runs in the seventh inning to beat McNeese State 7-6, advancing to Super Regionals. She held McNeese off to no runs in the bottom of the seventh.
Source: Brooke Nelson | Washington Athletics
“I was not in the batting rotation this game. So, I remember going, if Baylee Klingler scores, then we have to go back to the bullpen. I remember saying if you can score seven runs, I can get you three outs.” Brooke said.
With hard work and faith, Brooke and the Huskies accomplished a comeback for the ages. Her faith is now huge in her sports and everyday life. But, it was not always like that. It became so great throughout her playing career, that she got baptized by a teammate and graduate assistant her fifth year.
Source: Washington Softball | UW Dawg Pound
“Being baptized was the most freeing thing outside of playing and the stats. I went four years feeling like I had to do things alone. Now, because I know I can put my trust in God and faith in him, I do not have to do it alone.” Brooke mentioned.
I understand the pressures of being a student athlete. It can feel like there is a ton of weight on your shoulders. This can lead to some struggles with mental health, which Brooke is advocating for.
Source: Brooke Nelson | The Daily UW
“My world was a little rocked. I always tell girls coming in that I took under my wing that it feels like you know how to play the game but all over again with different styles, languages, and calls.”
“I remember playing with Kaija Gibson, who coaches at Utah now. I remember her taking me under her wing and telling me, the game is going to feel overwhelming, I have been in your shoes and it’s okay not to be okay.”
Source: Brooke Nelson | Daily UW
“There is this stigma that everyone is okay. In reality, life is hard, sports are hard, managing all of this is hard. But you are going to go through seasons that are harder than others, but know that you are not alone.” Brooke said.
In 2024, Brooke finished her career as an All-Pac-12 first team in her final year of eligibilty. She was also a top hitter with a .350 batting average. She ranked in as the No. 5 two-way player in the country. She was also named NFCA First Team All-American.
Source: Brooke Nelson | NFCA | Huskies Wire
Since then, Brooke has started a private coaching business called “BN Performance” that allows her to travel throughout the Greater Seattle area. Her business focuses on relation building with the youth and enhancing their pitching skills and techniques. She also focuses on mental performance and body health.
She continues to have a strong relationship with her former collegiate and professional teammates, while looking forward to playing this year with new ones. She feels Heather Tarr, Washington’s Head Coach has prepared her very well going forward.
It was an honor to meet the Husky Legend and I can not wait to see what the future holds.
Source: iPhone via Camera Roll
Jaeden Gordon 