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By Ray Hamill — For someone who has been playing softball for literally as long as she can remember, choosing to continue her playing career past high school was never much of a doubt.

But the question for Eureka senior Bailey Brown, was where to take her talents after graduation.

Brown, who enjoyed a stellar senior season with the Loggers this spring, answered that question this week when she officially signed her letter of intent to play for College of the Redwoods.

She joins a CR team that enjoyed a rejuvenated campaign in 2026.

One year after not fielding a team due to a shortage of available players, the Redwoods women returned with a bang this spring under the guidance of new head coach Micaela Harris, enjoying a competitive conference campaign and finishing 14-21-1, including a strong finish to the season that saw them win five of their final 10 games.

Brown will only help, as the CR women look to continue to build moving forward.

The Eureka senior says she considered taking her game elsewhere, but staying close to home seemed like the best choice.

“I definitely considered leaving Humboldt, just to get out and be a little more independent,” she said “But at the end of the day, it seemed like a good fit.”

Brown’s recruitment is also a good fit for the CR women’s team.

She has been one of the best players in the H-DNL for much of her high school career, and that never wavered no matter how the team was doing.

Of the 31 team wins she enjoyed during her time with the Loggers, 29 of them came in her freshman and senior years, with a disappointing run of 2-34-1 during her sophomore and junior campaigns.

Photo by Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com

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But there was no lack of success.

Brown’s team claimed Charles Lakin Tournament championships during her freshman and senior seasons, including a great run through tourney play this spring, which culminated in a 14-7 win over Fortuna in the final.

And no matter how the team was faring, Brown appreciated the opportunities to play and being around her friends.

“I think I’ll remember my teammates the most,” she said. “(Whether the team was winning or losing) we were always so close and always cheering each other on. The energy in the dugout never changed, and I think that’s something I definitely appreciated.”

Brown was quickly sold on CR after making an official visit last summer.

“Micaela asked me if I’d like to be a part of the team,” the Eureka senior said. “And it just seemed like a great fit, knowing Michaela and how dedicated she is.”

Brown is also on friendly terms with many of the CR players, having played travel ball with several of them with the Mad River MIST and Sacramento Hitterz, a group that includes former Del Norte Warriors Carlee Harper, Tsinte Steinruck and Audrey Phillips, as well as former McKinleyville Panther Bailee Box, each of whom enjoyed good springs with CR and are expected back for next year.

For Brown, her softball journey began a long time ago.

Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com

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“I’ve been playing since I was two-years-old,” she said. “My parents and some family friends put together ‘Kinder Play,’ which is kind of like T-Ball but for softball, and that kind of got me involved and I’ve always loved it.”

Both parents — father Bob and mother Debby — have also played a big role in her softball journey, and Brown is not shy about expressing her gratitude.

“I think the biggest influence for me is probably my parents,” she said. “I’m lucky to have them. They have always reassured me and pushed me to work harder.”

Fortuna head coach Eric Helms also has been a big influence on her career during her time with the MIST, as has Hitterz coach Terry Hendrickson, whom she has played for over the past two summers.

She is quick to pay tribute to everyone who has helped her on along the way.

“I just want to thank everybody who has helped me,” she said. “My friends, my coaches, family and my teammates. They’ve all been such a big help building my confidence, and I will cherish it.”

The Eureka senior closed out her high school playing days with a big season this year.

She led the Loggers in batting average (.422), home runs (three), triples (two) and doubles (14), while driving in a team second-best 22 runs.

Brown, who says she hopes to play for a four-year program after her time at the local community college, will major in Kinesiology.

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