Minnesota State senior infielder Abby Morris is in her senior season with the Mavericks. The Johnston, Iowa, native started this season as the softball team’s leading returning hitter, as she hit .353. Scoring 49 runs a year ago, Morris established a new single-season record and finished the year with a .430 on-base percentage, seventh on the single-season charts and was tied for sixth in single-season stolen bases with 13. Morris averaged a team-high 1.20 hits per game, she finished the season with 15 multi-hit games and had seven multi-RBI games.

MSU head coach Lori Meyer had this to say about her senior standout:

“Attitude and discipline are integral parts to the success of a student-athlete and Abby personifies greatness in both of these categories. She makes the most of her abilities and doesn’t waste time waiting for things to happen in her life – she makes them happen. As a student-athlete, she is a fierce competitor with a tireless work ethic, who became a role model for her teammates. Abby has earned many athletic and academic accolades over her athletic career which represents the passion and vigor she displays as a top flight student-athlete in our program but more importantly it was never about Abby’s individual accomplishments but about the success of the team. She is an unselfish person who knows how to do things on her own accord and for the good of the team.

When you first meet Abby she will strike you as a very genuine, caring and personable young lady who can successfully interact with her peers and colleagues. Abby has a confident way about her that allows for her peers to respond to her in a very positive way and she is the type of person that makes everyone around her a better person. Abby was elected a captain by her teammates which demonstrate that they have a tremendous amount of trust and respect for her leadership. Abby is a natural leader as she is willing to challenge her teammates as well as support them whether it is in the classroom or on the diamond.

A Maverick Achievement Award recipient as a senior scholar-athlete, she has balanced her athletic involvement with impressive academic accomplishments. She has had an outstanding career here at Minnesota State and will certainly be remembered as one of our program’s standouts.”


Ten Questions With Abby:

1. How did you end up at Minnesota State?

After deciding that I wanted to continue playing ball in college, I began talking with coaches and pursuing different universities. Having heard good things about Coach Meyer & the program, as well as the nice facilities and great education, I took a visit at MSU in November of my senior year. Everything went smoothly and felt right which made the decision fairly easy for me.

2. What are your favorite things about softball?

I would have to stay first and foremost that my favorite and most-valued aspect of softball is the relationships I form with my teammates and coaches. On a team, you come to college with 20 built-in friends and in a sense a second family. I also like the competitive aspect of it and the ability to stay in shape and active.

3. What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate this May I plan to attend either Drake University in Des Moines (my first choice) or Bethel University in St. Paul for a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. Oh, and play lots of slow pitch and sand volleyball.

4. What is the biggest thing you have accomplished at MSU?

I would have to say my biggest accomplishments come from both the classroom and on the field. I never really enjoyed school until I came to college and found my niche, so to speak, in the field of Psychology. As far as softball, I have been moved around a couple times from infield to outfield and back to infield this year so I guess I am proud of how I have adapted to each position while getting accolades such as all conference, and all region during my career.

5. When you’re not in the classroom or at practice, how do you spend your free time?

I love coffee so you can find me at Caribou or Starbucks fairly often. Otherwise I like shopping, sleeping and eating.

6. What is your motto in life?

I have so many! I guess ones that pretty much sum me up are “work hard in everything you do” “love and be loved” “live life to the fullest” “sometimes life isn’t fair, so why complain” I could go on…

7. Tell me about your favorite moment competing in softball?

This is a tough one because there have been a number of memorable moments between trips and the many games but the one that sticks out to me was my sophomore year at Duluth for the conference tournament. I hit a home run to get us back in the game (at this point in my life I think everyone, including myself, was shocked when my ball would go over the fence). Then later in the game my teammate, now coach Mallory Michel hit a home run to put us ahead. I think it was so exciting because Duluth was a big rival that year and also because it was like 30 degrees and we were all pumped to have that game over with.


8. Do you have any pre-game rituals or do anything superstitious before competition?

I don’t really have any consistent pre-game rituals or superstitions. I always have the same two bible verses written on my batting gloves. Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” on one glove and Joshua 1:9 on the other, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

9. What super-power would you most like to have, and why?

To have the ability to heal people: emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Feeding the poor and giving clean water to people. Something we should be doing but is impossible to reach every person in this world.


10. If you were on an island, what would you want with you, and why?

Well, if this island is deserted I would say good books, clean water to drink, a friend who wouldn’t get annoying, and chocolate.

If this island is say the Bahamas, I would say money to do fun things on the island, many friends, and delicious seafood every day.