CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois softball program is set to welcome in transfer Megan Ward (McDonald, Ohio), a sophomore infielder from the University of Dayton.

In her first collegiate season at Dayton, Ward was named to the NFCA Mid-Atlantic Region Second Team, A10 Conference Second Team, and A10 Conference All-Rookie Team. Ward led the conference in hits (68), batting average (.417), runs (28), and assists (71).

Megan Ward // McDonald, Ohio // McDonald High School // Infield // R/L // 5'6"
Notes:
2021 (Freshman, University of Dayton)

• NFCA Mid-Atlantic All-Region Second Team
• 2021 A10 Conference All-Championship Team
• 2021 A10 Conference 2nd Team All-Conference 
• 2021 A10 Conference All-Rookie Team
• 2021 Dayton Softball Rookie of the Year
• 2021 NCAA D1 rankings for hits (68) and batting average (.417)
• Led Dayton to 2nd ever appearance in the A10 Championship game
• Started in all 47 games, leading A10 Conference in hits (68) and Dayton with hits, batting average (.417), runs (28) and assists (71)

Prior to Dayton: Earned three varsity letters at McDonald High School under head coach Michelle Titus (senior season canceled due to COVID-19)… Helped lead the Blue Devils to the program's first Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Division IV Regional Qualifier in 2019… Named to the All-MVAC First Team in 2019 and to the Second Team in 2018… Finished her prep career holding the OHSAA record for career batting average (.692), including her 2019 average of .768 that ranks third in the OHSAA single-season ranks… Had a streak of 43 consecutive games played while recording at least one hit, which ranked sixth in OHSAA standings… Graduated from McDonald with honors as a four-time academic letter winner and Academic Excellence Award winner… Played three seasons of club ball with the Beverly Bandits posting a career .446 batting average

Why Illinois?

"I chose Illinois because it felt like home once I stepped on campus," said Ward. "Illinois felt like the best place where I could succeed both academically and athletically. I loved the coaching staff and the campus."

Coach Perry on Ward

"Megan Ward has the potential to become one of the top middle infielders in the league. She is an excellent student and plays the game at a high level. We are excited to welcome Megan into the Fighting Illini Family."

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