MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama softball freshman Devin Brown sat down with USAJaguars.com to discuss her decision to remain close to home and join the Jaguar pitching staff, which finished tops in the NCAA in terms of ERA with a stellar 1.29 last season.
 
Brown lettered four years for Theodore High School, where she holds Bobcat records in ERA, winning percentage, strikeouts, strikeouts in a game, innings pitched and home runs. As a junior, Brown set an Alabama High School Athletic Association record with 31 strikeouts in a 17-inning win over Saraland.
 
As a prep, Brown was twice selected to the Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 6A All-State Team.
 
"Devin spins the ball as well as any pitcher I have ever coached," commented USA head coach Becky Clark. "She gets great movement and break on her pitches and can work up, down, and side-to-side. She is that quiet competitor that loves to be on the mound and wants the ball in big situations. She has great physical tools and will continue to develop when she gets in our system. I am excited about Devin's potential, and I expect her to come in and make an immediate impact on our pitching staff."
 
Did you always have an interest in joining the program, since it's so close to home?
"I came to some games, but I wasn't really interested until they got me to visit the campus, and that was all it took. The program was up-and-coming, and the campus is beautiful."
 
So, you're far enough away from home, but not too far from family?
"I didn't think I was going to like it, but it's nice to have everyone checking up on me, and it will be awesome that they can come to the games."
 
How do you feel you can contribute to a pitching staff that finished with the nation's best ERA last season?
"It's my job to come in and make sure the program continues to move forward, so I really want to do a good job. I want to improve at not walking as many batters as I did in high school."
 
Quick Hits
Full Name: Devin Michale Brown
Birthdate: September 11, 1996
Position: Right-handed Pitcher
USA Major: Undecided
Hobbies: Reading, Writing and Painting
Siblings: One brother, Brandon, 14
Travel team: West Mobile Express, six years, Pitcher/Right Field
Favorite movie: Secondhand Lions
Three wishes: A pet turtle, a national championship and her own art studio
 
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).