Ceres Youth Softball coach Brandi Harrison offered tips on how to become a better player while being interviewed live during the KMAX-TV GoodDay Sacramento morning news program on Aug. 16 in Lathrop.

“I’m so proud to say at the moment I’ve had close to 300 athletes that have been through my program that have gotten scholarships,” said Harrison, a 2013 Humboldt State Athletics Hall of Fame inductee/2001 Hilmar High graduate. “They’ve gone on to play college ball. They’re doing big things in school now educationally. It’s just the most rewarding thing. I can’t even describe it.”

Harrison demonstrated drills with assistance from players she trains through her business—Brandi Harrison Hitting & Defense—while being interviewed by TV Reporter Bella Kunde. 

Harrison stressed the importance of tee work while focusing on offense.

“This is essential for any player at any level,” she said. “You have to get on your tee. You have to work on mechanics. There’s really no way around it. Your best friend really needs to be your tee.”

Harrison’s defensive infield drill consisted of working on short hops.

“It’s a very fundamental drill. I highly recommend that young athletes really get comfortable with fielding short hops. We’re working on glove positioning. We’re also working on staying low.” 

Harrison has been passing on her knowledge about the sport of softball for close to 20 years.

A Brandi Harrison Hitting & Defense Camp was staged on April 25 at the George Costa Ball Field Complex in Ceres.

The clinic was open to recreational league players, ages 7-13. Players were split into two groups.

She focused on all aspects of the game during the one-day camp.

Harrison was named one of Ceres Youth Baseball & Softball Organization’s Coaches of the Year following the 2025 spring season. She led the Little Humboldt Jacks to a first-place finish in the eight-and-under division standings (12-1-1).

Harrison enjoyed a success-filled softball career at Humboldt State from 2003-06. The standout third baseman earned National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-America honors following the 2006 season, and was a three-time NFCA all-region selection.

Harrison was voted the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Player of the Year and named her school’s Female Athlete of the Year as a senior. 

Upon Harrison’s departure, she ranked first in hits (268), second in both doubles (57) and walks (126), and fourth in home runs (33) in Humboldt State’s record books.

The Lumberjacks secured playoff berths and claimed conference titles every year Harrison was on the team.

Harrison excelled under Frank Cheek’s guidance.

Coincidentally, Cheek served as head coach of Ceres High’s boys wrestling program before leading two athletic programs (softball and men’s wrestling) at Humboldt State.

Harrison and Cheek were both inducted into the Humboldt State Athletics Hall of Fame the same year.