It took a change of plans less than a few weeks before her freshman year of college started, but Ella Morgan is not stepping out of the pitcher’s circle yet.
The Sweetwater alum signed with Roane State Community College on July 17.
“I am excited, but nervous at the same time. It is a new step into adulthood. It is scary, but I know I will be okay because I have so many people who care and have helped me throughout everything,” Morgan said.
The Sweetwater senior was set to enroll at Cleveland State this fall, outside of athletics before her direction shifted.
Morgan attended a tryout with Roane State and impressed the staff enough to join the program this upcoming season.
“Basically, it has been my dream ever since I started playing softball. Being able to work and play with other people has been crazy,” Morgan said. “The coaches have helped, the administration has helped … it all just came together. Prayer — everything.”
Morgan has been pitching for nearly a decade. Her performances in the second half of the season helped the Lady Wildcats to improve on the year and advance deeper into the District 3-2A tournament.
“It was amazing. She took her lumps along the way and made the adjustments. To see her find success at the end was huge for the program and for me as a coach and her as a person,” Sweetwater coach Sarah Davies said. “When she was not pitching at the beginning of the season she never complained. She worked her butt off and did what she had to do to get those innings on the mound.”
Morgan pitched 89 innings with 59 strikeouts and a 5.35 ERA.
“I just really want to appreciate all the staff at Sweetwater. And, most of all, my parents and grandparents,” Morgan added. “They have been the biggest supporters ever — my mom, dad and family. I don’t think I could have gotten here without them. It has been so hard to push through all the challenges.”
Morgan, a left-handed pitcher, has success on the mound with her movement on the ball.
“Her pitching came a long way, even since her junior year. She is a really good first baseman as well and I think they can fit both roles,” Davies said. “I think she deserves and is super excited — I think she is going to do big things in college. After her last game, I knew she was not done.
“That just shows what a player she is and she was not done playing yet. I am just excited for her.”
Roane State is coached by Marty McDaniel and assistant Ashley Rogers, a former Meigs County High School and University of Tennessee standout pitcher.
“They were very welcoming and very polite. It felt like it would be a good place to go,” Morgan added.
Sweetwater won eight games in 2024, six of those coming after April and reached the final four of District 3-2A.
“There have definitely been good and bad times. I had to step up and it has been a dream to be able to play. With (Sweetwater) they have been so supportive,” Morgan said. “Even when I felt like I could not do something they have said ‘Yes, you can. I believe in you.’ They have always been loving even though we have had hard times.
“Powering through all of that to get where I am has been amazing and a miracle.”
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