Miles signs NSM’s McBrayer

When Kaycee McBrayer started playing softball at the age of seven, she did so because she thought it would be fun.

It was fun, but over the years, McBrayer began to realize she wanted more from the sport.

“The older I got the more I realized that I wanted to play at the (collegiate) level,” she said.

On Tuesday, McBrayer took the last step toward making that happen.

McBrayer, a senior at North Sand Mountain High School, signed a letter of intent to play college softball at Miles College in Birmingham.

McBrayer is the second ever college signee from the NSM fastpitch softball program and the first to sign with an NCAA Division II program. She also considered Talladega College and West Florida State Community College but said Miles won her over.

“I just loved the coaching staff and the feel of Miles and the fact that it is a D-II school,” McBrayer said. “They also have an awesome Criminal Justice program.”

McBrayer will pitch for Miles and play in the middle of the infield when not in the circle. Those are the positions she has played for NSM during what will be a six-year varsity career once her senior season begins next spring.

“My first year as a coach (McBrayer) was just a freshman, a very confident one, with good reason,” said NSM head coach Ashley Wilks. “At that time, she was already a stand-out player, leader, and a core part of the team. She has helped in building the softball program because her dedication, enthusiasm and love of the game encourages and inspires others.”

In the pitching circle, McBrayer has several no-hitters and one perfect game on her resume.

Wilks said McBrayer has the versatility to play many different positions and called her a tough out at the plate. “She finds a way to get on base,” Wilks said. “She can hit for power, but she also can lay down a bunt if needed, or draw a walk.  We joke that she probably holds the state records for foul balls. She will battle in the box until she gets a ball that she likes or until the pitcher wears down.”

McBrayer knows playing collegiate will be a step up but she’s ready to take it on.

“It's going to be hard and more competitive,” she said, “but I think I'll really like it.”

Wilks thinks Miles will benefit from McBrayer’s abilities just as NSM has.

“I have known since I began coaching her that she had what it takes to play at a higher level,” Wilks said. “I have no doubt that Kaycee will be a huge asset to Miles, just as she has been to NSM.”