Softball season looms for freshmen Knight, Morgan
It was no secret: Abigail Knight and Mikayla Morgan were good enough to take their talents to the next level.
So when the Robbinsville Lady Knights standouts both inked scholarships that would ensure their career would not end once high school did, few were surprised.
After all, Knight and Morgan were both named to the All-Smoky Mountain Conference team on four separate occasions. During their time at Robbinsville High School, the Lady Knights won three straight division titles, picked up 81 victories and reached the 1A Western Regional Finals last season.
“It is important to note that Abigail and Mikayla are great role models for the young girls in Robbinsville, who have dreams of playing at the next level,” Lady Knights head coach Billy Knight said. “Not only are they great players, but they are even better people. They are fierce competitors both on and off the field.
“They are winners in every aspect of the word. It was the privilege of my life to coach them and I love them both.”
Now – after much hype and preparation – the time for Knight and Morgan to shine has arrived. The duo is ready for college softball.
Abigail Knight
After going through a roller-coaster of emotion – originally recruited and signed by Virginia Tech, before the offer was rescinded and she joined another Atlantic Coast Conference school, Boston College – Abigail Knight is ready to put the drama in her rear-view mirror and settle into her role as a member of the Lady Eagles.
“To say that I’m psyched is an understatement,” Abigail said. “I’ve worked my whole life to where I am right now and have the opportunity to play at the highest level.
“I can’t say that I’m all that nervous, honestly; just super excited.”
Abigail brings a wealth of experience to the Northeast. Her experiences while rising through the ranks of travel ball and at the varsity level will no doubt pay off in short order.
“It may sound strange, but I came into college ball feeling completely prepared,” Abigail said. “Our coach created tough schedules on purpose. Because of this, I saw good competition year-round.
“On the other hand, one thing that college sports is not, is easy. Just because you come in prepared, doesn’t mean it isn’t still going to be hard. But there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.”
After manning the shortstop position during her senior campaign – a year in which she was second on the team in batting average (.614) and led the way with 25 stolen bases – Abigail carried the momentum right into Boston College’s fall season, not striking out a single time in an eight-game span.
“I came into Boston College as a utility player, having previously played every position on the field except for pitcher, first base and catcher,” Abigail said. “This year, I’m expected to be our second baseman and a solid stick in the lineup.”
The Lady Eagles are under the guidance of Amy Kvilhaug – in her first year at the helm – and are coming off a disappointing 18-35 mark in 2019, which included a 4-20 record in ACC play. Still, optimism remains high.
“It’s going to be a tremendous season of growth,” Knight said. “The entire program is in the process of progressing from previously rough seasons.
“We’re competitive, though, and with the guidance of our new coach, I can tell we’re going to be a scrappy team who continuously gets better as the year goes on.”
Boston College’s season begins at 3:45 p.m. Friday in a tournament game against the Long Island University Lady Sharks. The showcase will take place in Fort Myers, Fla.
Mikayla Morgan
The other half of the combination, Morgan did not stray too far from home, suiting up for the Brevard Lady Tornadoes. Competition in the USA South Athletic Conference – which also features such schools as Maryville (Tenn.) and Wesleyan (Ga.) – is fierce, but Morgan is confident she and her teammates can rise to the challenge.
“I have been feeling very good about this season,” Morgan said. “Coach Robyn (Rohr) has really helped, too.”
After finishing her final year with the Lady Knights with a .490 average – tied for the team lead in triples with none other than Knight; the duo had four each – Morgan is entering the college ranks with all the confidence she needs to succeed.
“The transition to college softball has been somewhat easy, because coach Billy Knight has prepared me, not only on the softball field, but in the weight room and the classroom, as well,” Morgan said.
Morgan is already in line for the shortstop position and plans on contributing heavily to a Brevard team that finished 17-23 overall last year, 7-9 in conference play.
“This season, we should be really good,” Morgan said. “Not only should we win games, but we could possibly win conference.”
The Lady Tornadoes officially begin their 2020 season Wednesday, with a doubleheader, home tilt against Bluefield (Va.) College.
First pitch is set for 1 p.m.