Summer Spotlight: Softball’s Megan Denio

Megan Denio squares up at the plate during one of her at bats for the Hurricanes.

Now that the 2009 LBSU softball season is clearly in our rear view mirror, we can now look back and replay all of the fond memories created during this past season; however, a season ended brings on highly anticipated opportunities for returning players, especially the ones that embraced supporting roles this past season.  One player that falls into this category is Megan Denio.  This sophomore to be will be challenging for a starting position now that two senior outfields have graduated, Brianna “Breezy” Goad and Daniel Linke.

Prior to coming to LBSU, Megan Denio had an outstanding high school and travel ball career. She garnered All-CIF honors and played on a very successful So Cal Explosions travel ball team.  Like the majority of college scholarship players, she was accustomed to a starting roll and plenty of playing time; however, her new team had some very successful upperclassman returning at her position.  Denio adjusted and enthusiastically took on her new role as a base runner, an occasional pinch hitter, and a vocal team supporter.

This summer Denio played right field for the Hurricanes, a very successful 23U team filled with all sorts of college stars.  Her teammates included: Megan Lagerfeld (UCLA),  Aleah Macon (UCLA via Washington), Lindsey Sisk (Arizona), Niki Williams (Washington), and her former LBSU mate Jennifer Griffin.  This past July the Hurricanes won the 23U National Championship in an impressive fashion.  Outside of their first game, they run ruled all of their opponents including a very impressive Legends team, also made up of college all-stars.  Megan batted .615 during this stretch and garnered 1st Team All-American honors.

Denio races to beat out the throw to 1st during tournament play.

I was fortunate enough to watch Denio play a couple of times with the Hurricanes.  Based on my previous experience watching her play high school travel ball, I knew she was an outstanding slap hitter that had some wheels, but what I did not know was that she was a pretty darn good line drive hitter too.  In the plate appearances I saw, she was basically 50/50 on how she approached each at bat.  One time slapping the other time swinging away.  She was equally impressive at both, so I expect that this versatility should go a long way once the “real season” gets started.  Along with her impressive hitting, she once again showed speed on the bases and in the outfield.

Based on what I saw this summer, and more importantly the success Megan Denio had on the Hurricanes, it appears that she might just be at the front of the line when Coach Sowder starts handing out those starting positions.