For senior, Megan Strzegowski, softball has been her passion since kindergarten. However, for many, it can be difficult to turn a passion into a long-lasting reality in their lives. Yet, through hard work and determination, Strzegowski will carry out her passion on the softball field as she will attend a public liberal arts college, Keene State.

Strzegowski originally played t-ball in kindergarten, and looked up to her sister who played softball. The following year, she tried softball and instantly fell in love with it. When Strzegowski noticed how hard her sister worked in softball, she aspired to be just like her as the younger sister. As they both got older, they had a talent for pitching and from there on, Megan has grown into a WA Varsity pitcher she is today. According to Strzegowski, softball has taught her the importance of teamwork and leadership through helping her team by doing her own job on the field.

“[Softball] has taught me leadership, especially as a pitcher, and how to lead my teammates even when we’re having a tough time playing,” Strzegowski said.

Applying to schools like UNH, Merrimack College, Endicott College, University of New England, and Springfield College, Strzegowski chose Keene State because of the closeness to home.

“Keene State has such a homey feel and the coaches and players on the softball team were so nice and welcoming,” Strzegowski said. “I felt like I was already a part of the team even when I was just visiting.”

Strzegowski’s favorite part about softball is being on a team with the same teammates she’s known since she was 11 years old. She loves how the field is a place she can zone in on the game and not worry about everything else.

According to WA varsity softball head coach Gina Mustoe, Strzegowski has been an important asset as the starting pitcher on the team.

“Megan is a very quiet, cooperative leader [who] leads by example,” Mustoe said. “She’s a positive cheerleader to all of the girls when she doesn’t have the opportunity to play […] anything that I ask her to do, she does it with a smile.”

Preparing for games, Strzegowski usually stretches and practices hitting before warming up her arm for pitching. After that, she will do some fielding practice and repetitions. Strzegowski believes that practice makes perfect when it comes to loving a sport and wanting to play at the college level.

Strzegowski’s goals for college are to get her bachelor’s degree in exercise science and go to graduate school afterwards to become an athletic trainer. In college, she also wants to meet new people while playing softball at a more competitive level. Strzegowski would advise girls to never give up or be too hard on themselves; the important part about loving a sport is having fun and enjoying each moment.

“I would tell younger girls who are passionate about softball to stick with it. If you really love the sport, stay with it and keep practicing, you can only get better.” Strzegowski said.