Megan McKeel is a senior on the Niles softball team.

 

What has been one of your greatest accomplishments as an athlete?

MK: Receiving all-district first baseman my junior year.

 

What has been one of your biggest disappointments as an athlete?

 

MK: Taking a called third strike in the 2014 district game and letting my team down.

 

What has been a hardship in your life?

MK: When I was 12, I began experiencing excruciating pain in my lower back. My sophomore year I found out that I had been playing with two fractured vertebrae.

 

Who is a “hero” in your life and why?

MK: A hero is someone who selflessly protects you from the evils of the world.  Fortunately, I have two that take on this role — my mother and my father.

 

When are you the most nervous while you are competing?

MK: When I have an 0-2 count with the bases loaded and two outs.

 

Describe an embarrassing athletic moment.

MK: Taking the third strike in the 2014 district game.

 

How do you tend to workout/train when by yourself?

MK: Recently I’ve taken up lifting, but especially during the summer I enjoy going for runs.

 

What other sport would you like to compete in if you were not playing yours?

MK: Volleyball, when I fractured my back, I decided to choose softball over it.

 

Who would you say is your “biggest fan?” Why?

MK: My mother. No matter what sport it was, she always made sure to be in attendance.

 

How would you give away $50,000?

MK: All of it to the Humane Society to better the living conditions for the animals.

 

If you could be the head coach of a team for a year, what team would you choose?

MK: The University of Michigan softball team.

 

If I did not play sports, I would…?

MK: I can’t answer this honestly because sports have always been a part of my life.

 

What is the most challenging thing for you to do in your sport?

MK: Watch other girls pitch. I would do anything to be able to pitch in a game without any back pain.

 

If you could change one rule about your sport, what would it be?

MK: The drop-third strike. As a pitcher, I get furious when a player receives a base on a strikeout.

 

What is the best compliment you have ever received?

MK: A teacher once told me that they hope that when they have a daughter that she will be like me.

 

What was the scariest thing you have had to do? Are you glad you did it?

MK: I try to avoid scary things, but I conquered my fear of roller coasters and I’m glad I did.

 

What was the last thing you saw someone do that really impressed you?

 

MK: This isn’t a person, but over spring break I saw a dog ride a skateboard. It was impressive.

 

What is your favorite hobby? Why?

MK: Aside from softball, my favorite hobby would have to be spending time with my boyfriend and friends.

 

Choose one word to describe yourself:

MK: Competitive.