Former WC star Morgan aims high in third college softball season

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Former Warren Central High School star pitcher Abigail Morgan is pumped for her upcoming junior year at the University of Southern Mississippi, where she has become a dependable contributor to the Golden Eagles’ softball program.

“I’m very excited and I think we’re going to have a good year,” Morgan said. “I’m excited to see our team chemistry, and I’m also excited to see our new coaching staff.”

Morgan arrived at USM last season after transferring from the University of Memphis. She had to work her way up the depth chart before getting a chance in the circle, but when her opportunity came, she made it count — most notably in an 18-2 victory over Maryland Eastern Shore.

USM finished 23-29 overall and 16-10 at home in 2024. While the team didn’t reach a winning record, Morgan said joining the program was one of her best decisions.

“This year was absolutely awesome and I’m very grateful that I went there,” Morgan said. “I couldn’t have picked a better team, honestly, because the players, coaching staff and everything about it is so great.”

Before her college career, Morgan was one of Mississippi’s top pitchers under head coach Dana McGivney at Warren Central. She finished with 293 strikeouts, a .385 batting average and 40 RBIs. She originally signed with Holmes Community College, but a breakout senior season drew Division I interest and led to her being named the Vicksburg Daily News’ 2023 Softball Player of the Year.

Morgan’s college journey began at Memphis, where she appeared in 29 games as a true freshman, pitching 81 innings with 35 strikeouts. She had standout outings against Tennessee Tech and Northern Iowa, including a six-strikeout performance. Still, she quickly learned the difference between high school and Division I hitters.

“You don’t realize how much of a difference it is until you go up against those hitters,” Morgan said. “They’re not going to swing at anything bad and they have much stronger vision in college.”

Although she valued her experience at Memphis — including facing SEC opponents — Morgan said other issues in the program led her to transfer. USM, which had recruited her in high school, made its second pitch.

“Coach Poole made me feel right at home just by barely talking to her,” Morgan said. “We had an instant connection and I committed before even visiting the facility because that’s how much trust I had in her and the program.”

Now, with two years of college experience, Morgan’s chances of seeing more time in the circle are higher as she returns to school this week. She also encouraged high school athletes to be proactive in recruiting.

“You have to get out there and put yourself out there because that’s the main thing in the recruiting process,” she said.

Morgan and the Golden Eagles will return to action in the 2026 season.