Meghan McKeogh '19 Recruiting Profile

While my profile lists my softball information and achievements, it does not show how softball has shaped my character and made me the player and person I am today. This can’t be explained in two paragraphs: especially two grammatically correct paragraphs. Therefore, I have simply made a list. The list hopefully shows you what I have to offer you and your team as a person and a player.

Because my mom was my first coach and always had me go last, sit more and carry team equipment, I learned patience, sacrifice and service.

When the “bookworm” who we convinced to play so we could have a 9^th player ended up being one of the better hitters on the team by the end of the season, I learned not to judge a teammate or count anyone out.

When I started club softball at 13 and found out there were teams full of girls that had been playing highly competitive softball for years, I learned how to out-work, out-practice everyone and dedicate myself like I had never done – or had to do- before so I could catch up to their level.

When my first club coach used me as an example to the team after a series of losses stating that I didn’t make the team because of my skill but because of my hustle and how much I gave of myself at the tryout, I learned what qualities a coach really wants from his/her players.

When I made one of the best club teams in the state my second year playing, I experienced the joy of having earned success and how hard work pays off.

Being on such a good team the past few years and having teammates who have already committed to play for some of the best college teams, I have learned how to be happy for and celebrate my teammates’ successes. I know that there is enough success to go around.

Playing with such talented teammates, I have also learned, accept and even appreciate that there will always be someone better than me. This has taught me to discover and develop my own strengths, make sure I always have something to contribute.

Playing on a high school team that has won 2 games in two years and playing on a travel team that went to ASA/USA Nationals those same two years, I have learned how to win and how to lose. I have also learned that neither defines you as a player or a person.

I have experienced how softball can make it easy to build lasting friendships and how your team can be like family and help you when you need it. Because of that, I learned how to use softball to give back to other people.

Through Stay in Softball I have learned how privileged I am to be able to play softball, have parents who can provide financial and emotional support and also give up so much of their time so I can play. Because of that I have learned to be grateful. I have also learned the connection between being grateful and being happy.

Being in charge of Stay in Softball and also being on a club team that recently folded, I have learned the importance of commitment and honoring your word in both softball and the “real world”. I have experienced how many people can be hurt when people do not honor their commitments.

I have also learned that while I spend a huge amount of time playing softball and really love the game, softball is NOT “my life” and does not define who I am. Softball is a tool to learn valuable skills and life lessons. It is also a game that can bring joy to those who play and those who watch. Therefore, while some players only care about playing for the biggest and best college softball team they can, that is not my recruiting goal. My goal is to find a competitive college team at an excellent college – regardless of school size- that will allow me to obtain an excellent education while also playing softball. I would like to find a team that values hard work, discipline and character in all areas of life- not just softball. I can offer that team everything that I have learned about softball so far and the promise that I will not stop learning or giving my all.