What can Brown do for you? If you're Husson University pitcher McKenna Smith, the answer to this marketing tagline is surprisingly deep. 

"I work at UPS," Smith told FloSoftball.com. "And the work there is super high-intensity. A lot of physical activity. I've noticed that's helped me be able to maintain strength and endurance in your performance. Those are very much important when it comes to pitching." 

In her four years working for the courier brand — where her father, Corey Smith, also works — Smith has worked mornings loading up the ubiquitous, brown delivery trucks one can't help but see anywhere in America, as well as nights filling semi-trucks bound for distribution centers. 

It's necessary work, and it's demanding work — and that's before accounting for Smith doing so while also taking on her Biology studies at Husson and shining as one of college softball's standout pitchers. 

"It's a lot of late nights between that, school and softball. It can be a lot to juggle," she said. "But I've found that job specifically helps." 

Other pitchers might want to consider a similar part-time job path if Smith's statistics are indicative of the benefits. In 2022, she pitched 150 innings, went the distance 19 times and allowed just 70 hits, struck out 258 batters, and finished with an ERA of 0.79. 

Smith led Husson to an NAC championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance as the Eagles ace last year. 

She has an opportunity to deliver more in 2023 as the team opens the campaign with THE Spring Games. 

A fair question coming off such an individually spectacular season, however, is how does one go about improving? For Smith, the answer is basic. 

"It's what you think of when you’re teaching young kids: See ball, hit ball. Making sure you have [proper handle on the ball] before throwing it," she said. 

Helping Smith go back to the most elementary principles of softball is someone who's helped in her development nearly from the beginning: pitching coach Rick Roberts. 

Smith said she didn't pick up the sport until sixth grade, but it wasn't long after during a tournament when Roberts, a current Husson assistant, began working with the fledgling pitcher. 

 Smith credited Roberts for not only ingraining the fundamentals of pitching in her as she progressed through the sport, but crafting her philosophical approach, as well. 

"Physically, you can get where you need to be with your speed and your spins and your form. But being able to mentally believe and have confidence in yourself was definitely something that I had to learn," she said. 

And while Roberts has been "by [her] side" throughout the softball journey, Smith has the chance to similarly help guide future generations as a coach to youth in Roberts' own clinics. 

Add coaching to the busy schedule Smith takes on. 

But for everything Smith takes on, the Old Town, Maine, native feels no pressure. She thanks her parents for that. 

"He's everything," she said of Corey Smith. "Both my parents [mother Denise Smith] are super encouraging. They never get down on me, they know I'm hard on myself. And working with my dad throughout the years, seeing how excited he gets for my accomplishments, wanting to be there...He loves it. 

"I think he likes it more than me sometimes," she added with a laugh. "The days you can tired, he's still there to put a smile on my face."