Danville, KY - There's nothing shy about Centre College freshman Brinley Muller.

"My mom always talked about how I would just wander off and go talk to random people if she didn't watch me. That was probably a bad thing but it is also a really good thing because I can get along with anyone," said Muller.

That personality, though, has helped her become a key part of the Centre softball team. She's started 27 games at shortstop and is hitting a team-high .425 after getting six hits in a three-game series last weekend against Berry. She has scored a team-high 26 runs and struck out only twice in 80 at-bats.

"Brinley has brought incredible energy to our team this year, especially as a freshman stepping into such an important role at shortstop," Centre coach Laura Villagrana said. "She shows up every day ready to improve and gives everything she has. Her energy is contagious, and it lifts the entire team both in practice and in games. She plays with confidence and isn't afraid of the moment, which is impressive for someone so early in her college career.

"Off the field, Brinley's personality really sets her apart. She's a ball of energy in every sense, always encouraging her teammates and bringing positivity wherever she goes. That combination of drive, attitude, and love for the game has made her a special part of this team."

Muller came to Centre from Metairie, La. She wanted to go out of state to college and then Centre assistant Natalie Winchester saw her play at a camp. Winchester was also from Metairie and told her she thought Centre would be perfect for her.

"They invited me to play in a tournament with some of the other girls that were in my recruiting class. I played with them, loved it and went for a visit. I thought it was like a Hallmark movie scene (at Centre). I really couldn't say no," Muller said. "It was kind of funny because I knew nothing about Kentucky.

"But the people here are truly amazing. Everyone is so welcoming and it has such a great vibe. I love Louisiana but this just felt like home. And the athletic facilities were terrific, too. My mom knew I wanted to go away but at first she was a little hesitant and then about a month before I was supposed to come my dad said maybe it was a little far away after I had been committed for a year."

Perhaps the biggest shock for Muller was learning that Villagrana wanted her to play shortstop. During travel softball she had played outfield. On her high school team, she was a catch. The Centre coach had told her to work on some middle infield drills but she was still caught "off guard" to be at shortstop.

"It was a big change but it is pretty nice. But now I am a shortstop and coach V loves when I say that. It was not an easy transition but it has worked out. I think I am a pretty good fielder. I try to be pretty humble and own my mistakes. Being a (team) captain as a freshman, I have a lot of responsibility. I need to  hold others accountable but I have to hold myself even more accountable."

She might not pass the look test for a college shortstop because of her small stature but that's where her personality helps.

"My height and weight have always been lacking but I make up for it with my personality. I like to control the field. I am a take charge person. I like talking. That's my favorite thing to do. So talking to other girls and making sure they are doing their jobs and getting the support they need."

She had a memorable collegiate debut going 5-for-7 at the plate and reaching base in seven of nine plate appearances with three stolen bases in a doubleheader sweep of Kenyon.

"I literally don't remember that weekend. I can't remember those games for some reason because it was such a high that I've never felt before just playing in college. Also my parents came and surprised me. I had to show them that they didn't drive her for nothing," Muller said. "I was in the hitting cage before the game and heard this voice that was so familiar. I ignored it, heard it again and turned around and it was my dad and I started bawling.

"I had some family stuff going on and them being here meant a lot to me. Usually if they are coming, they tell me. But I had no clue. I knew I had not heard from my mom in 24 hours and she didn't even text me before the game which was unusual."

Muller is not a power hitter but does make contact as shown by her low strikeout total.

"I don't worry about numbers. My dad always told me just play your game and everything will fall into place. I try not to put too much pressure on myself. I just try to do my job," Muller said.

Centre is 15-12 overall and 5-4 in Southern Athletic Association play after finishing 4-33 last season and 2-13 in conference play. Centre has three games this weekend at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, followed by three games April 25-26 at Rhodes College in Memphis. The Colonels will host Trinity University May 2-3 to end regular-season play. The top four teams qualify for the double elimination SAA Tournament May 7-9.

Muller said her high school team had "ups and downs" and it was more of playing to have fun, especially with her sister also on the team. At Centre, it is a different feeling.

"We have a young team and while we feel good about this year, but also about what lies ahead," Muller said. "I think we have a really promising future. I think our class can be the difference maker for the program. Hopefully these wee baby steps this season for the future. We have fun together and do a lot of things together."

Muller plans to be an economics/finance major and then get a graduate degree in sports management.

"I want to work in sports. I can't see myself without sports, so I am not really sure about everything quite yet," she said.