RANKINGS
EVENTS
I COMMITTED
COLLEGE
ABOUT
Mabrae Simcox has quite the amazing story to share when it comes to how she became a top player in the 2024 class and found love and happiness after being born in Ethiopia.
She survived famine, being placed in an orphanage with her younger sister, Mekdez, and enduring an initial failed adoption before finding acceptance and love in the home of Brent and Angela Simcox in the United States along with their daughter Haley.
Mabrae was born March 5, 2006, in a small village in the province of Kaffa, Ethiopia. She and her family were doing their best to survive a famine; but due to lack of food and the illness associated with extreme poverty, the young girls’ birth mom had to make the heart-wrenching decision to give up her two youngest daughters at an orphanage so they could have a chance at a better life.
Mabrae was just 4 at the time, her younger sister Mekdez was only 2.
The girls were moved to a second orphanage as the first did not speak their language. Within months of arriving at the new orphanage, Mabrae and Mekdez had started the adoption process with a family in America, but there were complications and the adoption failed.
That situation, however, opened the door for the Simcox family to accept the children into their home. As Brent remembers:
“Mabrae and Mekdez were placed in our lives—and our hearts—forever. “
Today, 10 years later, the sophomore outfielder has played for two top travel softball organizations—Texas Glory and the Beverly Bandits—and was ranked in the Top 500 of the Class of 2024 rankings published by Extra Inning Softball and a Top 125 outfielder.
“This was an amazing accomplishment for Mabrae,” explains her father, “as she had only spent a season and a half in the outfield.”
She finished her season with the Bandits with a trip to PGF Nationals “which was a dreamed fulfilled” according to her father and this Fall, Mabrae is also competing for Michigan Elite – Metiva while guest playing for other organizations when there is a fit.
This week, the athlete’s father described the teen student-athlete as “Our hero as she is an overcomer.”
We interviewed Mabrae and her father to learn more about her journey from one side of the world to another and we are sure you’ll agree that this is one story that you will remember for a long time!
*****
Extra Inning Softball: Mabrae, do you remember meeting your parents for the first time?
Mabrae Simcox: Yes, I first met my parents at a McDonalds Playground, but I didn’t know at the time they were going to be my parents. I thought we were meeting another family for fun. I didn’t know the family I was with at the time was putting me and my sister up for re-adoption.
Brent Simcox: Mabrae endured so much in her young life including the loss of her birthparents, brothers and sisters, her homeland, and her language; but she doesn’t let that define her. Instead, she is known for her infectious smile, her spirit and her teammate-first mentality.
Extra Inning Softball: Learning a new language, traveling to a new country, adapting to new foods are all difficult to do; how did your parents help you transition at the time of your adoption?
Mabrae: By being loved and offering consistency. Coming from Ethiopia where food wasn’t a guarantee, I had to learn trust that we wouldn’t go without through my early days of adoption. I had a habit of eating more than I should for fear that there wouldn’t be a next meal. My family helped me understand and accept we wouldn’t be without food.
Extra Inning Softball: What are your key traits you feel your parents helped instill in you during your childhood?
Mabrae: Kindness and humility.
Extra Inning Softball: Have you had any contact with your birth family in Ethiopia?
Mabrae: No. I hope to go back one day and visit my birth family.
Extra Inning Softball: What advice would you give to other kids who feel out of place in their lives, whether they were adopted or not?
Mabrae: Choose joy, choose hope, choose God.
Extra Inning Softball: How did Mabrae first get interested in softball?
Brent Simcox: Mabrae’s softball journey started shortly after when were walking through a sports store and a baseball fell from a top shelf. The then 5-year-old Mabrae looked up and caught it on its way down with one hand. It was then that we knew that this little girl had the gift of athleticism!
We spent the next few years tossing the ball around, learning to hit, playing in Little League games and had a four-year stint with our hometown travel club where her dad was the coach. At the start of her 12u season, Mabrae informed us that she wanted more of the game she fell in love with including an opportunity to play against the best.
We signed up for the USSSA All American Games tryout and she became a Direct Select player earning accolades from parents whose daughters played for national clubs as well as the pros who were scoring the tryout.
After the games we all decided to put out our feelers for any national club interest. Notably, Mabrae was contacted by Beverly Bandits – Chow as well as the Texas Glory – Beyster team. Mabrae played for Texas Glory – Beyster for the next two seasons transitioning from middle infield to the outfield. Tarrah Bester was instrumental in Mabrae’s development as a player as well as giving her the confidence to be able to play with and against the best of the best.
At the start of Mabrae’s 14U season we were contacted by Beverly Bandits – Scibelli to join their roster and made the move to the Bandits organization.
Extra Inning Softball: What do you love the most about playing softball?
Mabrae: The team, the moments that each game brings, the action of the game and traveling the country and seeing new things.
Extra Inning Softball: What are you looking forward to in your personal life, as well as in softball?
Mabrae: I am enrolled for drivers training this Fall and am enjoying Friday night football, and family time! For softball, I am looking forward to taking the year to work on my skills that will help me be the best teammate. I will be playing for Michigan Elite this season as well as guest playing. After high school, my dream is to play at the collegiate level.
Extra Inning Softball: What is your favorite quote or positive thought
Mabrae: “She believed she could, so she did.”
Extra Inning Softball: What is your favorite memory with your softball team?
Mabrae: Playing IDT In Boulder and in PGF Nationals.
Brent Simcox: Playing the game of softball is what Mabrae loves to do. It has been a blessing to watch her grow up into this talented, humble, beautiful, and kind young woman. As her parents, we are in awe of who she has become. She is a world changer, an overcomer, and a true blessing to all who cross her path. She is our hero.
— Bonnie Eads, Extra Inning Softball