She smacked one right out of the park…a three run homer to right. It’s how Santa Clarita native Branndi Melero made her professional debut as a Chicago Bandit, and it’s no surprise she continues to find success both on and off the field.
Donning the number 17, Branndi is no stranger to homeruns, hits, stolen bases and impressive stats. In fact, the Golden Valley High School graduate has been taking the field by storm since she was about nine years old.
“I played for the Hart league for a year and a half and then started on a travel ball team.” Too aggressive for girls her age, the 11-year-old ended up playing with the 18U travel team and lettered all four years in high school as a Grizzly.
“I always loved softball, and I always wanted to play,” says Branndi.
It only took one visit to the south, when Branndi fell in love with the school and the people. Her stellar performance on the field led Branndi to a full ride scholarship to Auburn University, where she spent the next four years playing for the women’s softball team.
With the complete support of her family and friends, Branndi was proud to be a part of the Auburn family. Her freshman season, the outfielder was named SEC All-Freshman, and as the seasons progressed, so too did Branndi.
In 235 career games with the Tigers, Branndi batted .340 (sixth highest of any non-active player), with 40 homeruns (the most in Auburn history) and 208 runs batted in (RBI), making her one of the all time greatest in her school’s history. Her senior year, she led her team to the Women’s College World Series, hitting .400, with six of her 10 hits with a home run and six RBIs. Branndi’s homerun was a milestone for Auburn as it was the first World Series home run in program history. Branndi was also named Women’s College World Series All-Tournament Team.
On April 20, 2015, Branndi’s name was announced during the fifth round of the National Pro Fastpitch draft. The 24th overall pick, Branndi’s new “field of dreams” was to be in Chicago, playing for the Bandits.
While her eyes were set on the pros, Branndi fondly remembers her career as a Tiger. “I loved being around the coaches and players, and being able to contribute to the Auburn family. I absolutely loved playing for them.”
Shortly after graduating Auburn with a degree in Public Administration, Branndi made her way to Chicago as a professional softball player, and is well underway in her first season playing for the pros.
“Looking back at my career, I made a lot of sacrifices to play softball. From early morning workouts to classes to games, it was intense, but I did it, and it was worth it.”
Advice for future athletes? “If you’re going to pick a college, pick a place you’re going to be comfortable spending your life, get to know the players completely and the environment you want to be around. It’s a big thing. They’re not just your teammates; they’re your family. And don’t forget to have fun. You have to have fun doing what you’re doing. Play hard and never give up.”
