Former Oklahoma softball infielder Alyssa Brito has collected quite the list of accomplishments, including three-time national champion, 1st Team Big 12, NFCA First Team All-American and 2024 Division 1 Softball Academic All-America Team Member of the Year. She transferred to Oklahoma in 2022 and came to put her trust in Jesus her sophomore year.
FCA: How have you seen God move in your life and family over these last few years?
Alyssa: I would wonder about being the first believer in my family, why I was praying for my family and the spiritual leader in our house. It's hard because you're leading by example to the most influential people in your life. But I'm not the one that carries it; I have to hold it lightly and God is the one that's doing things behind the scenes.
It has been my biggest prayer and blessing that God has shown me is that there wasn't anything wrong with the way that my story was written because it was written by Him. I have gotten to see not only this boldness and growth in character and my identity, the security of who I am with being vulnerable and passionate and loving people, and seeing how it’s not only changed me, but my parents, too.
FCA: What do things look like for your family now?
Alyssa: I am so thankful that God has changed their hearts. It's developed their marriage and the way they see their life. My dad is unrecognizable in the best way possible. The one thing I step away from my time with OU softball the last three years is seeing the way my parents have grown every single year. This is a process, but seeing their growth and how it's translating to my younger brothers has really been encouraging to me.
FCA: How have you seen God being the One to carry your burdens?
Alyssa: I'm the type of person that wants to just continuously help. I want to be there for other people. I think throughout your life you have to surrender. I’m currently going through some things that are tough. It's been a challenge to release trying to understand. It's something that you have to depend on God for and be in His presence to be reminded every day.
FCA: What has helped you endure?
Alyssa: I've had to hit rock bottom in some areas to understand that sometimes that's where we find the Lord the most—when we don't have anywhere else to turn. I think of Ephesians 6:13 when it says when you've done everything, you stand. That's been something that I've gotten to the point where you get exhausted and you hold it tightly and then it really only makes things tougher and then you’re like, ‘Lord, all I can do is stand and keep walking with You step by step and give you what I’m carrying.’
FCA: What are you holding on to right now?
Alyssa: The people around me to remind me of who I am, but also the constant reminder and continuous challenge of reminding myself that I'm not alone and that my God is present. It’s hard, but it's that dependence. And I think that's what He wants in a relationship, to be like, ‘God, I don't have anything to give right now, so just be here. Even if there is a little bit of unbelief, help me in my unbelief.’
FCA: What is something God is teaching you right now?
Alyssa: God wants my honesty and for me to bring all of it to Him. He doesn't need me to sugarcoat it because He already knows. I think one thing I've kept hearing is let Him meet you where you're at and bring it all to Him, the bad, the ugly and the anger or questions. I've seen him in really cool ways in little moments where I know he's meeting me.
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