« Softball 2013

Kayla Braud

School
Alabama
Position
Outfield
Major
Public Relations
AVG
.452
R
57
H
76
FLD%
.974
RBI
21

Classroom

Braud is a Two-time Academic All-American and CoSIDA Academic All-District. She has been a member of the Deans List all semesters, and has obtained an NFCA Scholar-Athlete All-American award. Kayla has also made Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll all three years. She carries a 3.7 GPA as a public relations major, with a minor in computer science and psychology.

Character

After being named an NFCA All-American as a true freshman at second base, Kayla was asked to change positions and play left field. She went on to earn NFCA All-American honors once again despite the switch and never previously playing an inning of outfield in her career. She has been one of the team captains the last two years. Despite coming to Alabama all the way from Eugene, Ore., she has been a staple in the Tuscaloosa community, especially in its biggest time of need after the Tornado. Braud has been involved in the Growing Tide Leaders Program since 2010.

Community

Through helping with disaster relief,  Kayla has assisted displaced victims from the Tuscaloosa tornado. She has participated in Read Across America in Elementary Schools throughout Tuscaloosa. Braud and her teammates volunteer for the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. As volunteers, her and her team adopted a young girl suffering from a brain tumor. Kayla has participated in Field of Angels, a baseball league for persons with disabilities. She has spoken to and assisted with little league softball teams and their practices. Braud has worked with the Autism Society of America’s Light It Up Blue campaign, and the Walk for Autism campaign. She was also a participant in the Public Relations campaign for the nonprofit Students of Survivors.

Competition

In her first year in a Crimson Tide uniform, Kayla earned 2010 All-SEC Freshman team, 2010 SEC Freshman of the Year, 2010 NFCA 2nd Team All-American, as well as 2010 All-SEC First Team. The following year, Braud earned 2011 Easton 1st Team All-American, 2011 NFCA 1st Team All-American, and 2011 All-SEC First Team. In her Junior season Kayla and her team went on to win the 2012 Women’s College World Series National Championship. While individually, she earned 2012 All-SEC Second Team, 2012 NFCA All-Region First Team, 2012 SEC All-Tournament Team, 2012 Women’s College World Series All-Tournament Team. She currently holds the second highest career batting average in school history. Braud ranks second in the career annals in on base percentage and stolen bases.