Petty reflects on college career

By Kevin Eickman

Milford has had a long history of producing quality players, and among them is Morgan Petty. A three-year Buccaneer captain, there was little doubt that Petty would do well at the next level. A 2019 graduate of Milford, Petty chose the University of Albany to continue her athletic and academic career. While everyone knew she would excel, only a few truly understood the extent of her success. Reflecting on her body of work, it’s clear that the former Buccaneer has had an impressive journey and looks forward to life beyond softball.

After playing her freshman season at Sussex Tech, Petty returned home to Milford for her sophomore season in 2017. That year, Milford surprised everyone by winning the State Title in softball, with Petty hitting two home runs in the Championship game. Her former coach, Sean “Gator” Brennan, praised her impact: “Morgan coming home to Milford was huge for us. She was a big part of the team and was pure class on and off the field.”

When Petty headed to Albany, COVID hit, shortening her freshman year. On the bright side, she was granted an extra year of eligibility, which she made the most of. “Looking back on it, everything worked out well for me and helped me become better acclimated for the seasons to follow,” Petty said.

Year after year, the accolades kept coming as Petty developed into an elite player. In her first full season at Albany, she batted .288 with an on-base percentage of .351, eight home runs, six triples, and 31 RBI. This would be just the beginning. According to the University of Albany website, “Petty closed out her career with U Albany softball as one of the best players in program history. Second in the record books with 14 career triples, she is also tied for second with 33 career home runs. Totaling 154 RBI, 206 hits, 142 runs, 36 doubles, and 72 stolen bases, she finished with top-five numbers in each statistical category. Her .357 career batting average is good for seventh in program history.”

The awards and recognition accumulated as well:

2021: America East Second Team All-Conference, America East All-Rookie Team.
2022: America East Player of the Year, America East First Team All-Conference, America East Academic Honor Roll.
2023: America East Player of the Year, America East First Team All-Conference, NFCA Third Team All-Region, America East All-Championship Tournament, America East All-Academic, All-ECAC.
In 2024, following her final season, Petty earned possibly the greatest accolade of all when she was selected as The America East “Woman of the Year.” This award recognized her athletic, academic, and philanthropic accomplishments. “It was quite an honor just to be nominated for such a prestigious award,” Petty said. “This is something you really are humbled and honored by; it is something that you strive for but don’t really expect.”

Speaking with Petty, it became clear that her success was no accident. “In my family, there are no half measures. When you set out to do something, you don’t leave anything on the table. You work as hard as you can, and if you think you have done it all, you do a little more to be the best you that you can be,” she stated.

Petty also acknowledged the importance of her support system. “I have always had a great support system in place. I was very fortunate to have my family and great coaches all along the way. Then there were my teammates, always willing to put in extra work with me, always willing to listen, and always believing in me.”

One person who was not surprised by her success was her father, Scott. “We always believed that she could do anything she set her mind to, and she proved us right. It is a great thrill for a parent to see their children excel in whatever they do, and I always believed that she was going to do great in college and great in life.”

At the University of Albany, Petty earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with a minor in Business, and a second Degree in Journalism. She topped that off with a Master’s Degree in Communications.

Currently residing back home in Milford, Petty is happy to be with her family. Along with her father, her mother Lorri, and her sisters Samantha and Natalee, they make up a very close-knit family. “I honestly don’t know where I would be without them. I love them so much and really enjoy the time we spend together; it’s very important to me.”

While Petty is not quite sure what the future holds, she has dipped her toe into the political pool. She is currently working for the Lieutenant Governor campaign of State Senator Kyle Evans Gay. “It’s very exciting and takes a lot of energy. I honestly don’t know what my future holds, but this felt like something I wanted to do,” Petty said.

Whatever Petty chooses to do in the future, you can bet she will give it her all.