2015 — Female Inductees — Illinois USSSA Hall of Fame

Meghan Murray

Meghan Murray started playing slow pitch softball at the age of five and converted to fast pitch when she entered Minnetonka High School in Minnesota. In her senior year, this starring high school shortstop was awarded a scholarship to the University of Notre Dame.

While playing shortstop all four years at Notre Dame, Meghan was a two-time Academic All-American. Under her leadership, The Irish were the Big East Conference Champions three times and she was named the Big East Player of the Year. After graduation she played one year in the Fast Pitch Pro League with Tampa.

Following her fast pitch career she moved to Illinois in 1999 and started playing slow pitch again for such teams as Guervo Gold, Add-a-Bath and Blackhawk Athletic Club. Meghan always played shortstop and maintained a .500 batting average but she doesn’t remember how many home runs she hit over the years besides a couple memorable ones were on the “bigger fences” at Forest Hills Diamonds.

On an individual level she was chosen to the All-Tournament Teams in National Invitational Tournaments in 2003, 2004 and 2006 while playing with Cuervo Gold and Add-A-Bath. In 2006, 2008 and again in 2009 she was selected to the All-Tournament Team at the Great Lakes National Tournaments. In 2007, while participating in the Mixed State Tournament, she was awarded All-State Team honors.

Even though Meghan was a great player and a Field Director/Activities Director on and off the field, some of her most treasured memories are those post-game parking lot parties. One of her favorites included five teams (some from out-of-state), 10 umpires and circle of about 70 people - highlighted by a pizza delivery! Playing in front of her family in Minnesota at a Great Lakes National Tournament was another highlight and the “whole team going to her parent’s house for dinner after the game was amazing”.

“I love softball. I have since I was a young girl. Fast pitch gave me the opportunity to attend and play at Notre Dame, slow-pitch gave me the opportunity to meet and forge lifelong bonds with friends. I’m committed to paying it forward."

Meghan is now a volunteer coach for the Lake Forest Softball Program and co-chairs the Laurie Wilson Scholarship Fund started after the passing of her dear friend and teammate. “The Fund raises money and invests it in young student athletes to ensure they have the opportunity to participate in athletics and learn the same life-lessons I’ve learned,” she added.

Meghan retired in 2012 but her name still appears on the Add-a-bath roster every year, just in case! You never know when you’re going to need a pretty good hitting, retired shortstop, a natural team leader and certainly an Activities Director at the ballpark.

Welcome to the IL USSSA Hall of Fame Meghan Murray, you certainly deserve this honor!