Lanie Meyer has added a spark to Iowa City Liberty softball since move from West Branch

When Lanie Meyer took her talents from West Branch to Liberty softball this past offseason, she knew she had to earn a spot in the starting lineup.

Not only was the junior utility player joining a team that finished in regional competition last season, but she was making the major leap from Class 2A to 5A.

“I knew transferring to a bigger school there was going to be more challenges, but I knew that makes stronger players,” Meyer said.

More academic opportunities and the chance to play for a state contender prompted the move from West Branch. It served as an opportunity to reunite with some teammates from her time in club softball.

But a change in scenery is never easy. During the early part of the season, Liberty coach Hannah Cole noticed that Meyer was a bit anxious at the plate.

During her time at West Branch, Meyer earned a reputation for her power at the plate. She earned 40-plus hits in her last two seasons with the Bears, which included a 36 RBI season as a sophomore.

The focus turned to unlocking that potential in the batter's box, which started through a conversation about trust and composure.

“Those conversations about the mental side of the game and the mindset to have at the plate have seemed to really help her,” Cole said. “She’s got (36) RBIs on the season already, which also goes to show how many of our girls get on base and how she just stays calm and disciplined on the plate to get a run and score them in.”

The Rock Valley College commit has settled in well since that discussion. As of June 28, she’s started in all 29 games this season, leading the team with 36 RBIs and 10 homers. Her 27 hits rank in the top five on the team.

Entering this season, the Lightning had been aiming to add more line-drive hitters to their lineup following the loss of senior leadership. Meyer's game has fit like a glove in that role.

“She’s very strong, you can tell when she gets up to the plate that she’s a power hitter,” said Liberty senior Mischa Reiners. “She definitely is a good asset, and we’re glad she came.”

Meyer's approach at the plate is focused on studying the pitcher before an at-bat.

“I’m watching the pitcher from the batters before me and seeing what she has to throw so I know if I want to take that first pitch if it’s there,” Meyer said. “You got to see the pitchers better in 5A because they tend to be a little bit better, and you just really got to see what that pitcher is throwing you.”

Meyer has helped the Lightning reach a 20-11 record while being ranked No. 10 in 5A. Her leadership and resilience have provided a spark for Liberty softball.

“I knew Liberty had a really good team last year and I knew it was going to be tough to earn a spot," Meyer said. "But I just knew I had to work hard and be able to fill a spot that they needed to fill, which I’ve been able to do.”

Marc Ray is the high school sports reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. He can be reached at MARay@gannett.com , and on X, formerly Twitter, at @themarcszn .

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Lanie Meyer has added a spark to Iowa City Liberty softball since move from West Branch