05/29/2026
Meet Abigail Brown.
Softball player at the University of South Dakota
2x Summit League All-Tournament Team honors
2nd Team All-Conference recognition
Summit League Player of the Week
But Abigail’s biggest message goes beyond the game.
“As athletes we are taught to be independent and work for everything we get so asking for help doesn't always come natural. True mental strength is admitting to yourself that you can't do it all and that its okay. There is nothing wrong with not being able to carry everything, we aren’t meant to do this life alone.”
Through the highs and challenges of being a college athlete, Abigail has learned that softball is something she does, but it isn’t who she is. Her journey has taught her the importance of leaning on her faith, opening up, and allowing the people who care about her to walk alongside her.
She credits her two best friends from home for helping her through some of her hardest moments:
“They have been my light when I didn’t know where the end of the tunnel was. I would tell them thank you for listening when I didn’t want to talk about what I was going through, for never trying to fix me, and for loving me no matter what.”
At Play for Paige 33, we believe strength isn’t about carrying everything by yourself. Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is let someone know you need them.
Thank you, Abigail, for reminding athletes everywhere that while sports are an important part of our stories, they are not our whole story. Your value goes far beyond the scoreboard.
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📷 USD Media Dept.