Pittsboro, NC – Northwood High School Athletics will honor former Charger standout and Major League Baseball player Austin Brice on Wednesday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m. prior to the Chargers’ home game against Cornerstone Charter. The ceremony will include the dedication of Brice’s jersey and number, recognizing one of the most accomplished athletes in school history.
The recognition celebrates more than statistics, honoring a competitor, teammate, and standard of excellence that continues to define Northwood Athletics.
Brice’s journey began in 2007 as a freshman starting shortstop. Though undersized at the time, he quickly showed flashes of potential. Just a few games into his freshman
season, he was sent to junior varsity — a moment that could have derailed many athletes.
Instead, it fueled him.
Within weeks, Brice returned to varsity and never looked back, developing into a dominant two-way player. By his senior year, he was both Northwood’s top pitcher and one of its most dangerous hitters. He led the Chargers to an 18–8 record while delivering one of the most memorable performances in program history, reaching 97 miles per hour on the mound in a conference game against South Granville.
Brice finished his senior season hitting .442, earning All-State honors and being named the 2010 Conference Player of the Year. His 32 RBIs rank sixth all-time in program history, and he helped lead Northwood to a 63–30 record during his career.
A two-sport standout, Brice also earned All-Conference and All-State honors in both baseball and soccer, helping lead the Chargers to a state runner-up finish in soccer.
Following his junior year, Brice committed to Appalachian State University. Shortly after graduation, he was selected in the ninth round of the MLB Draft by the Florida Marlins — becoming one of only four players in school history drafted and the only one selected directly out of high school.
Brice went on to a 14-year professional career, reaching the Major Leagues and competing at the highest level. During his career, he was part of several MLB organizations, including the Florida Marlins, Cincinnati Reds, Boston Red Sox, and Pittsburgh Pirates.
While his accomplishments on the field are significant, those closest to the program point to his mindset as the foundation of his success.
“Austin Brice loved competition and he never got outworked. That’s why he made it,” said former Northwood head coach Rick Parks.
Brice reflected on the moment with gratitude.
“As athletes, we don’t always get the chance to thank everyone who supports us along the way. We’re so focused on the goal, so locked in on the dream that we don’t always see all the love around us,” Brice said. “But today I do. I see every message,
every cheer, every prayer, and all the support you have given me. And I just want to say thank you. It truly means more than I can put into words.”
“At Northwood, we believe in recognizing those who have reached the highest level of their sport and, more importantly, the path they took to get there,” said Athletic Director Cameron Vernon. “Austin Brice’s success is a testament to perseverance, growth, and an unwavering competitive mindset—qualities that define our program and inspire the next generation of Chargers.”
The ceremony will take place prior to first pitch at 6:30 p.m., and the Northwood community is invited to attend.