The Inspirational Story of Brianna Parks

by Tara Bernstein 

Instagram: @taralynn_27   |   Twitter:@taraalynn28

Brianna Parks doesn’t seem to want to play the role of an idol. She’d simply prefer to be “Bri.”

 That the Pace University softball player continues to overcome obstacles, including battling lupus, puts her in a position to have a positive impact on her teammates. While she doesn’t let the disease define her she doesn’t let it stop her and that seems to have had the biggest impression on the Setters.

 “Softball is what drives me,” Parks said. “I go back and forth from the hospital and still play hard at practice no matter how I feel. It pushes me to stay active and I love being a part of a team.”

 *Lupus is a chronic autoimmune condition in which your immune system attacks healthy cells by mistake that can potentially damage many part of your body.*

“The infusions never go well because the nurses can never find my veins and I end up getting pricked three to four times before getting an IV. The infusions make me really tired, but I do feel a lot better after them. I’m ready to play,” Parks said.

But aside from the disease, Parks’ journey has had other pitfalls. Her father was killed by a drunk driver when she was in second grade. She says that losing him has made her stronger and that he is on her mind whenever she steps on the field.

 “Not only on the field but everywhere else, she is the same person and probably one of the most humble. She makes me want to be better and realize to never give up on anything in life,” her teammate, Pace outfielder Larissa Labs said. 

A biology major, with aspirations of becoming a doctor and helping the people around her, Parks has juggled her ambition and success in the classroom as well. It is clear that her athletic skills transfer into life lessons as she copes with adversity just like how she fouls off every pitch until she gets a hold of the right one.

“I believe there is passion everywhere in her heart. Everything she does is always a hundred percent and a true inspiration to watch in class and on the field,” outfielder Jordan Chillinsky said.

The disease has taught her to prioritize and believe in herself. Parks is not afraid to ask for help and accept that there may be setbacks in life, but this is not a reason to give up. The Pace Softball team gloats and cheers her name louder than ever on and off the field.

“You would think nothing is wrong, she always has a smile on her face and never gives up,” pitcher Jaclyn Flores said.

Catch Brianna Parks on the new Pace Softball field, while she battles her opponents in her new, favorite Bryce Harper batting gloves.

“Things can be hard, but it can always be worse. Like on the field and in life, I will never stop fighting,” Parks said.

**Source:  LupusResearch.org**