Q&A with Midwest City’s Noreli Brown
VYPE: Congratulations on your commitment to UMKC! Why was Kansas City the right place for you?
Noreli Brown: While I won’t fully know until I arrive and experience it firsthand, I felt an immediate connection with the coaches and players during my visits. I believe I can bring a lot to the team, both on and off the field, and I am confident that UMKC will provide the right environment for me to grow and succeed.
VYPE: Now that you’re committed, do you feel a bit of relief?
NB: Yes, I feel a great sense of relief. After receiving several excellent offers and building strong connections with the coaching staff at those schools, the decision was challenging. However, once I made my final choice, it felt like a weight was lifted from my shoulders. Now, I am able to fully focus on the present and continue working toward my goals with renewed confidence and enthusiasm.
VYPE: After having a big junior year, what are you expecting of yourself this season?
NB: I want to lead my team with grace and confidence while continuing to contribute to our growth and success. My team has made great progress since our freshman year, and I am committed to helping us improve and achieve our goals together.
VYPE: What does it mean to be a Midwest City Bomber?
NB: Being a Midwest City Bomber means grit, pride, and purpose. My brother and sister (both college athletes) graduated from MWCHS too. For us, it’s about family, loyalty, hard work and representing where we come from with heart and hustle. I want to be part of the great athletic tradition at MWCHS.
VYPE: What have you learned from playing for Oklahoma Athletics?
NB: Before joining Oklahoma Athletics, I played for the Oklahoma Twisters. The Twisters is where I learned to be an athlete, not just a softball player. Our coaches wanted us to actually learn and understand the game of softball, not just play a position. It was always “team over me,” and we trained hard. With the Athletics, I’ve grown as a teammate. I’ve learned to embrace my role, rotate with other talented pitchers and be ready to execute when my number is called.
VYPE: Who has been your greatest motivator?
NB: My greatest motivators have been my parents. They provided me with all the equipment, lessons, and support needed to pursue my passion for softball. Their belief in my potential, especially after I demonstrated my mental toughness, encouraged me to push beyond my limits. My father often told me that if I wanted to advance further, I needed to do more, so I committed to additional workouts and training. As a result, I have seen significant growth and progress. Another key motivator is my pitching coach, Kayla, who not only helps refine my technique but also supports me in developing the mental resilience required to succeed as a pitcher.
VYPE: What is the most challenging aspect of pitching?
NB: A lot goes into pitching. Your speed, technique, the movement of the ball, endurance, the bond between the catcher and pitcher, but the most challenging is game strategy. Knowing your opponent and their tendencies to make real-time pitch selections.
VYPE: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
NB: In five years, I hope to have earned my degree and to be pursuing a graduate assistant coaching position, continuing to develop my skills and experience in the sport I am passionate about.
