“Even though we may only need one win, every time we show up to the field, we have a mission.” – Morgan Zerkle
Bandits One Win Away from Punching Their Ticket
One ticket to the Championship Series in Tuscaloosa is punched, and one remains. The overwhelming favorite to claim that spot are the Bandits, but they have an upcoming get together with the Volts who are five games behind them to take care of.
A Bandits win, and they are in. Would you expect them to set the cruise control after that? Morgan Zerkle says not a chance.
Morgan Zerkle Talks Mindset and Team Chemistry
Earlier today, I had a chance to speak with Bandits outfielder Morgan Zerkle. Even in her busy schedule, which she passed on to me that she is a great multitasker, she took a few minutes of her time to talk with me.
We talked on the Bandits, and also touched on her multitasked life of being the Head Coach at her alma mater, Marshall. First things first, the Bandits.
Tomorrow begins their four game series with the Volts in Round Rock, Texas. This season hasn’t been all roses for the team in blue. After their hot start to the season, the first half and beginning of the second trailed off the path for a second. Still their mindset never wavered.
“Yeah, I think our team gets along great. We have a good relationship off the field, which I think makes a difference, because when we do have, you know, a little trouble or stumble, and maybe it’s the pitchers or the hitters that certain game maybe, don’t do what they want to do. We have each other’s backs, and we can communicate about it and take accountability. And I just think it speaks a lot to the character of the players on this team.”
We have heard Coach Stacey Nuveman Deniz speak on it a few times before, and well as Bandits GM, Jenny Dalton-Hill. This team has a great chemistry and when that is the case, you can almost never go wrong.
With the clincher to Tuscaloosa looming, the Bandits mindset is on full steam ahead. It doesn’t matter if they clinch tomorrow or the next day, this team is playing to win every game. A team on a mission, and are leaving no room for possible bad habits or mishaps.
“I mean, we want to win every single game we play. I think that this is the type of athletes we are. So, even though we may only need one win. I think every time we show up to the field we have a mission, and that’s what we want to do. So, really, nothing changes. We just show up and do what we’re capable of. And then, hopefully, everything works out. We get our way to Tuscaloosa.”
Quick Numbers Before the Series Begins
A few quick numbers prior to the Bandits and Volts series:
The Bandits are 11-7 with the Volts coming in at 6-12. Bandits actually have the most runs scored this season across the league, with 115 runs. Volts have a league worst 67 runs scored. However the Volts have allowed the least amount of runs this season, with 79 runs.
Zerkle the Multitasking Player/Coach and Dreams
To finish up our conversation, I have wondered for quite sometime how Morgan Zerkle does what she does at the level she does it at. Being both a professional softball player, all the while being the Head Coach at Marshall. I asked her which one is more difficult?
“Coaching is by far more difficult. When you’re playing, you know you have the bat in your hands. You’re making the catches, and you’re in charge of your own body. But coaching is 20 plus minds that you’re trying to motivate and encourage and manage. And it’s a tricky task, so coaching is by far more difficult.”
So the next question is, how does she handle it all? Even with her staff helping during the summer months of scouting at travel ball events, and is she missing that or is it all mind and thoughts on the Bandits?
“No, I’m a great multitasker, and we had a 12 day break. So I got to spend all 12 days in Colorado recruiting. So I’m definitely working a lot still throughout the summer, and then I have a great assistant, in Aly Harrell, who has been recruiting as well for me. So we’re still full steam ahead and just managing both at the same time.”
“I mean playing you show up to the ball field and do what you need to do. So, my mornings can be very focused on Marshall and preparing for this next season ahead.”
Could Young Morgan Have Imagined This?
As a young Morgan, could she ever imagine that she would be where she is today? Honestly, this is a pretty sweet life to live if you ask me. Many can only dream of this. A dream she didn’t even think of.
“Definitely not, like where I’m at is a dream come true. But I don’t think young Morgan could have even dreamt this up, you know, to play for a great university, and then to be coaching at her Alma Mater while also going into year 9 of playing professionally. I just don’t think she would have any idea that’s her life and in reality so super super cool to be here.”
Bandits and Volts Set to Battle in Round Rock
I would like to thank Morgan Zerkle for taking the time out of her busy busy schedule to talk with me. Very insightful and much appreciated.
The Bandits and Volts begin a four game series tomorrow in Round Rock, Texas at the Dell Diamond. Game time is set for 7:00 PM EDT/6 PM CT, and will be nationally televised on ESPN 2.
Follow along with Fastpitch Wire, as we continue to bring you firsthand coverage of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League.
