Born in New York, Derick Brownell, grew up in Arizona, graduating from Brophy College Preparatory.
After participating as a member of the 1990 Brophy team which finished runner-up in the Arizona state soccer final, Brownell attended Santa Clara University where he played on the men's soccer team from 1992 to 1995 and graduated with a bachelor's degree in economics.
On March 4, 1996, the San Jose Clash selected Brownell in the second round (thirteenth overall) of the 1996 MLS College Draft.
The Clash sent him on loan to the California Jaguars of the USISL for the entire season.
Brownell also played for the Arizona Thunder in the World Indoor Soccer League.