Meet Alyssa Brito:

How she turned three championship rings into a leadership career with OU Online

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

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YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.

By submitting my information, I consent to being contacted by The University of Oklahoma and/or OU Education Services via SMS/text message, phone, email, and other electronic means, including through the use of an automatic telephone dialing system, AI-powered technologies, and artificial or pre-recorded voice, for purposes related to OU’s program portfolio; my contact information will not be shared with third-party affiliates. Message and data rates may apply. Opt-out of communications any time by replying STOP to SMS, asking to be removed during a call, or clicking the unsubscribe link in emails. For support, refer to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service for more details.

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Program Outcomes: What You'll Learn

From Softball to Leadership: Earning an Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership

When Alyssa Brito looks at the three championship rings she earned during her time with the University of Oklahoma softball team, they don’t just represent her success on the softball field. They represent long hours of dedication and the willingness to put in the work it takes to achieve excellence.

Brito’s college softball journey relied on discipline, structure, and high expectations. But as her time in the sport evolved, so did her vision for the future.

After finishing her undergraduate degree, Brito wanted to keep learning—and it had to match her goals. When she decided to pursue an online Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, she wasn’t just preparing for the next game—she was preparing for what came next.

“I wanted to continue on and get more educated. That was something that was on my radar when I finished my four years,” she said. “OU Online gave me an opportunity to get a higher degree. It felt like a level up.”

The University of Oklahoma’s online leadership master’s program gave her the credentials, leadership skills, and career growth she needed after her sports career.

Program Outcomes: What You'll Learn

Why Choose an Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership?

Brito chose organizational leadership because it matched her goals for nonprofit and ministry work. With a nonprofit focus, the degree translated immediately into her desired field.

“I specifically went into organizational leadership because I think that it’s applicable to so many different areas,” she said. “For me specifically, I want to go into ministry. That was a really crucial part of the skills that I want to create for my professional career.”

Brito needed flexibility and control to balance softball, mentoring, and her nonprofit work, and that’s what OU Online provided. She could build her schedule around training, work, and growth, not class times.

“They allowed me to leverage my time,” she said.

Why OU

“I could complete my classwork outside of just the busy schedule that I was having to maintain. It just worked for my schedule.”

Why OU

Turning Athletic Discipline into Professional Leadership

Flexibility didn’t mean easy.

Through the Organizational Leadership program, Brito was encouraged to think differently about leadership, communication, and how organizations operate.

“The professors challenged me,” she said. “I was challenged by my peers.”

The program developed leadership by focusing on real-world cases, teaching her to lead teams and build cultures. It was the same standard she was used to in athletics: show up, put in the work, and keep improving.

“The material itself overall just challenged me to grow further into what it looks like to be a great leader,” she said.

Building Real-World Leadership Skills That Drive Careers

Brito entered the program with strong leadership traits developed through athletics, and OU Online helped her turn that athletic leadership into a professional advantage.

“I’ve gained a ton of characteristics as a leader from playing softball here. I wanted to continue to grow that,” she said. “You just added more to that toolbox of what I can really apply in the professional world and separate myself.”

Now her skills are structured, intentional, and ready for life beyond sports.

Through the program, she learned to:

  • Lead and manage teams effectively
  • Communicate across diverse groups
  • Build and sustain strong organizational culture
  • Apply discipline and performance standards in business settings

 

Applying Leadership Skills in Nonprofit and Ministry Work

Brito’s degree connects directly to her work and future goals. In her role in nonprofit ministry, she applies what she has learned about leadership, culture, and relationships every single day.

“My degree in organizational leadership applies to the work that I have within nonprofit ministry,” she said.

And leadership, she discovered, is deeply relational.

“It’s how you can understand different people and what they’re going to need in certain moments,” she said.

That perspective allows her to lead with intention, whether she’s mentoring athletes, serving her community, or building her career.

Support Services That Help Online Students Succeed

One of the biggest advantages of an OU Online degree is the support behind it. Throughout her program, Brito worked closely with student success coaches who stayed connected throughout her experience.

“They were checking in on you as a human being,” she said.

They helped with scheduling, addressed challenges, and ensured she stayed on track. They always asked if they could help or advocate for her. With support every step of the way, it felt less like navigating school alone and more like having a team behind her, she said.

Life After Athletics: Preparing for Long-Term Career Growth

Brito’s journey to OU was purposeful, not just a straight path. After transferring in, she found more than a place to compete—she found a place to grow.

“I transferred here to OU, and I’m so glad that I made that decision,” she said.

When it came time to take the next step, choosing the OU Online Organizational Leadership program allowed her to continue that growth—this time focused on her future beyond athletics.

“This program has given me so much more beyond that,” she said. “I think that you don’t get things like this without truly valuing process and the hard work that it takes to get there, and I think it’s so easy to see the end product of this.”

Now, she’s not just representing OU on the field—she’s building her future through it.

Alyssa Brito

Explore Online Programs and Take the Next Step

Brito's journey didn't end with softball—and yours doesn't have to end where you are right now, either.

Whether you're continuing your education, exploring a new path, or preparing for what's next, OU Online gives you the flexibility and support to move forward.

Your next steps:

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YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.

By submitting my information, I consent to being contacted by The University of Oklahoma and/or OU Education Services via SMS/text message, phone, email, and other electronic means, including through the use of an automatic telephone dialing system, AI-powered technologies, and artificial or pre-recorded voice, for purposes related to OU’s program portfolio; my contact information will not be shared with third-party affiliates. Message and data rates may apply. Opt-out of communications any time by replying STOP to SMS, asking to be removed during a call, or clicking the unsubscribe link in emails. For support, refer to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service for more details.