CrossFit Helps Brianna Barrix Stay Strong And Hit Long

Brianna Barrix was able to hit home runs over the fence in practice, but it never translated to games until her freshman year of high school when something finally clicked.

The 2027 recruit from Jasper, Indiana stepped to the plate and remembered the advice her dad would always give to get down on her front side during all the hours in the cages working to improve her swing. 

As Barrix saw the ball sail over the fence, she was almost stunned at the sight.

“I was like, ‘What the heck?' And then, in my second at-bat, nobody expected me to hit another one, but that is what happened,” Barrix said. “I think I just gained more confidence in myself.”

And Barrix hasn't stopped hitting the long ball. Earlier this month, she displayed her power during a trip to Florida. After participating in the USA Softball National Selection Event, Barrix joined her Stars National Scott-GA 18U travel team at the SEFL Fall Championships. She hit three home runs and had seven RBIs to earn all-tournament honors and help her team clinch a spot in the AFCS Nationals.

Part of Barrix's strength comes from participating in CrossFit. She started when she was eight years old, and now can deadlift more than 225 pounds, back squat 191 pounds and bench press 110 pounds.

“CrossFit is a whole other family that I really enjoy being with. I really love it,” Barrix said. “Even though the workouts are so hard sometimes, it's so fun because my parents are there and they push me too. I always have a smile on my face and it makes me forget about if I had a bad day at school or something.”

Barrix began playing softball at a young age along with doing competitive cheerleading and soccer. 

“I really liked softball more than soccer because I didn't like running a lot,” Barrix said. “My dad realized I was actually really good at it from a young age, so we stuck with it.”

She took up volleyball in the fifth grade, but quit by her freshman year after fracturing her back and wanting to devote more energy to softball. Barrix pitched when she was younger, but has become more adept as a middle infielder. 

“I had a coach who moved me to second because my arm wasn't as strong, but I had good footwork. But now I've got my arm strong enough to where I can throw across the diamond and be able to get slappers out,” Barrix said. “Now I can move around from second and short.”

Barrix's dad served in the military and was stationed overseas. One of her older sisters is a nurse and the other is studying to be a teacher. Barrix has considered a career as a medical examiner or working for the FBI or in forensic science.

“They're all kind of different, but they all interest me,” Barrix said. “Right now, I am giving girls lessons, like hitting, fielding and pitching. I really enjoy teaching, so that is an option too.”

Barrix still loves spending time with her dad working on her swing. She still looks at him after at-bats when he's at her games. 

“If I pop out or something, I'll just catch a glance at him, and he'll laugh at me,” she said. “Then, he'll tap his shoulder. Because tapping his shoulder helps me think I need to get my front side down. He's just tapping his shoulder and laughing because he knows that I did it wrong.”