Kosciusko softball coach Tony Terry opted to start now-senior Josie Meggs during her eighth-grade year. While the shortstop’s talent has impressed him over the years, her work ethic has made her stand out.
On Monday, Meggs was rewarded for her dedication as she signed to continue her academic and athletic careers at Itawamba Community College.
“She’s helped us and has played a big part in us winning an awful amount of games,” Terry said. “She’s one who likes all aspects of it. She likes to practice, she likes to play. She plays during the summer with us. Whenever she can play, she plays. She’s a gamer.”
For Meggs, the close-knit softball community Itawamba offered was enough to sway her decision as to where she'll spend the next two seasons.
“It had a home atmosphere,” Meggs said. “I really liked all the coaches, and I felt like they could help advance my softball career."
While Meggs has refined her skills over the years with her insatiable work ethic, her defense, Terry said, is what also makes her an effective player.
“She’s a plus glove,” Terry said. “She’s a really smooth shortstop."
Meggs’ game isn’t just centered around defense. Last season as a junior, she hit .385 and stole 20 bases. Meggs also knocked in more than 30 runners.
“All around, she’s a good player,” Terry said. “She can play anywhere on the field. For us, she’s a really good shortstop, but whatever you need her to do, she can do it. She’s versatile."
As a member of Itawamaba’s softball team next year, Meggs hopes to build on the foundation she’s established at Kosciusko.
“I would like to improve not only my physical strength but also my metal strength to become a better overall player that helps our team be successful,” Meggs said.
Meggs was a member of the 2018 Kosciusko fast-pitch state championship softball team, and she played in the MAC 4A/5A/6A All-Star game over the summer.
Meggs said she would love nothing more than to improve as a player and use those advancements to help her teammates during her final year at Kosciusko.
“(I would like to) help lead the team to a successful season and to be a role model for the younger players,” she said.
While Monday’s signing ceremony brought joy and the excitement of embarking on a new venture, Meggs said the memories she’s made at Kosciusko can't be understated. She recognized the Lady Whippets' softball community's importance in her development as a player and person.
“I will always remember winning the state championship and all the valuable lessons that high school and Coach Terry taught me,” she said. “I will also remember all the friendships that I made over the years.”
