By Bryce McKinnis
Megan Moran first picked up a bat when she was three years old.
“Both of my parents played softball/baseball when they were younger,” said Moran, now a Union high school junior. “They put me in multiple sports, but softball was the one I stuck with. I always had fun when I was on the field, and I find the game very entertaining.”
Moran has spent the offseason laboring in the cages. Hitting was a priority in her training this summer.
“I’ve taken lessons and worked on my own at least twice a week,” Moran said. “I believe this year will be my best year because I can only get better. I grew a lot last year and I can only try to achieve the same this year.”
Confidence is key, and, like hitting, it’s an area of her game that Moran has focused on improving.
“A challenge I have is moving on from the mistakes and errors made during the game, and not allowing it to affect how I play,” Moran said. “I am proud of the growth I’ve made in my confidence. It’s helped me outside of softball a lot. . . With more confidence, I’m able to do better in games because softball is a fast game, and you need to believe and trust your actions when you play. Confidence also helps me outside of softball, mostly socially. It helps in school and at jobs.”
Moran, who also juggles a photography class at Tulsa Tech and the all-school musical, will undertake a greater leadership role this year.
“With the girls on JV, especially those who are new to the sport, I’ve been helping them understand the sport more. As time goes on it’ll probably become more,” Moran said. “I want to be a leader that people aren’t afraid to speak to, and one they can trust.”
Moran doesn’t take for granted the sacrifices her parents have made to support her athletic career.
“My dad would always take me to practice and would go with me when I wanted to practice on my own. He still helps me, whether it’s taking me to lessons or going to a backstop near our house to practice with me,” Moran said. “Without my parents, I don’t know if I would’ve enjoyed the sport as much as I did or enjoy the sport as much as I do now.”
After high school, Moran hopes to attend Northeastern State to become a special education teacher while playing softball.
