Sam’s softball journey is a tribute to her late brother, Brayton, who passed away in 2012.
Highlights
- Sam Booe transforms her brother Brayton’s tragic death into a source of inspiration, honoring his memory through her softball career and life choices.
- Sam maintains exceptional academic performance and is pursuing a nursing career, demonstrating resilience and dedication.
- Beyond athletics, Sam is a devoted student with a passion for nursing, following in the footsteps of the strong women in her family.
As a Louisville senior pitcher, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance on the field, progressively improving each season.
Her college career started strong with a standout sophomore year, finishing 5-0 with a 2.74 ERA, a one-hit shutout, and academic honors.
In her junior year, she earned three wins and two saves in 22 games, ranking second on the team with 50 strikeouts in 46.2 innings.
Her high school career was equally remarkable, helping lead New Palestine High School to a state title in 2019 and becoming the first school in Indiana High School Athletic Association history to win three consecutive state championships.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Booe has maintained outstanding academic performance, being named to the All-ACC Academic Team and receiving numerous scholarly recognitions.
Sam Booe Finds Strength In Softball, Feeling Closest To Her Late Brother While Playing
Sam’s softball journey is closely connected to the memory of her late brother, Brayton, who passed away in 2012 at age 15.
When Brayton died, Sam was just eight-year-old, an experience that profoundly shaped her life.
Despite his young age, Brayton was a supportive and protective older brother who loved football, wrestling, dirt bikes, and fishing.
His passing left a deep void in the family, but Sam keeps his memory alive in meaningful ways. On the softball field, every part of her appearance honors Brayton.
She intentionally wears the number 51, his favorite color, blue, a ribbon in her hair, and a bracelet with his name, birthday, and the date of his passing. She explains,
“It is my way of having him on the field with me. I feel the closest to him when I’m playing softball, and it helps me get through all the highs and lows.”
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Brayton’s dreams of playing Division 1 sports have inspired Sam’s own journey.
She aims to fulfill not just her dreams but also the aspirations her brother never got to pursue.
Her family commemorates Brayton annually by releasing memory lanterns, writing notes, and visiting his favorite restaurants. She shared,
“It’s just like a hole in my heart. I was always sad, especially around his anniversary date. It’s in May, so it’s during softball season. Most of my teammates have known about it and are always really good about checking in on me.”
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Miss you everyday bub. I love you forever. Always check on your people, they may need you more than you know. pic.twitter.com/KDsllULOVX
— sam booe (@sambooe51) May 2, 2023
Beyond softball, Sam is preparing for her future as a nurse, continuing a family tradition.
She’s currently completing an internship at Mary & Elizabeth Hospital and plans to enter an accelerated nursing program after graduation. She shared,
“Almost every female in my family is a nurse. My mom, my cousins, my aunts-like everyone’s a nurse. Hearing their stories kind of inspired me to keep it going.”
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Throughout her academic and athletic pursuits, Brayton’s memory remains a driving force.
As she continues to excel in softball and prepare for her nursing career, she carries her brother’s spirit with her, turning personal tragedy into a source of motivation and strength. She reflects,
“Some days it’s harder than others. I hope I’m making him proud.”
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Additional Information
- Beyond softball, Sam competed in swimming, diving, cheerleading, and basketball during her high school years.
- Sam believes seeing a cardinal is a sign from her brother, which reinforced her decision to commit to Louisville’s softball program.
- She is the daughter of Angie and Chris Booe and has a brother named Matthew.
