Marshall University softball player Morgan Zerkle was recently added to the 2016 USA Women’s Elite Team following the selection camp in Irvine, California.
Zerkle, a Milton, West Virginia native, was one of 40 players from around the country to try out for Team USA and was the only player from Conference USA to be named to the team.
However, this is not the outfielder’s first accolade that has garned national spotlight as she was the 2015 Golden Shoe Award winner, leading all of Division I softball in stolen bases.
The junior took her speed and talent to Southern California during winter break for an opportunity to add her name to the Team USA roster.
“It was crazy being surrounded by so much talent out there,” Zerkle said. “Everyone out there was really good. And not just good, but the best.”
Zerkle said it was nice seeing how she fit into the mix. However, she said her nerves did come into play during the tryouts.
“It was very nerve racking but super fun to play beside so many other great athletes,” Zerkle said.
Marshall head coach Shonda Stanton said she is excited about her player’s success.
“This is just the beginning of Zerkle’s career at the next level,” Stanton said. “She has already accomplished a great deal being considered one of the top 40 players in the country. We are extremely proud of her and excited about her opportunity to wear the red, white and blue.”
The committee announced its decision to make two teams: the Women’s National Team and the Elite Team. Zerkle was named to the Elite team along with 17 others.
The Elite team consists of 16 current college players, two former NCAA performers and one high school player.
The Elite team will compete this summer against the National Team in a series of exhibition games across the country. The Elite team will also play in the World Cup of Softball XI, which will take place in Canada.
Only one other Marshall softball player has earned the same honor to play on the Elite team, which was 2012 senior catcher Rebecca Gamby.
“I’m extremely thankful to have had the opportunity to go tryout and now be able to play with USA across my chest,” Zerkle said. “It’s certainly a dream come true.”
Brittanie Fowler can be contacted at [email protected].