Junior softball outfielder and first-baseman Molly Milligan has batted 0.475 with 24 RBIs, helping lead the Raiders to a 13-7 season.
Milligan’s 0.475 batting average is second on the team. She has an on-base percentage of 0.543 and has 29 hits, including two home runs.
Milligan played her first two high school seasons on the baseball team and joined the softball team this year. Head coach Victoria Rosen said that Milligan’s baseball experience expedited her transition. “Her switch has been seamless. The baseball coaches and I have always supported Molly’s journey, and this choice was one that I know was very personal for Molly. The foundation she gained through her baseball experience has been instrumental in her skill development, which has transferred over to her success on the softball field,” Rosen said.
Milligan was confident and willing to switch to first base, following an injury to sophmore Ekko Armstrong. “I was excited to play in the infield, even though I love the outfield. I find stretching for the ball or picking it, is really fun,” Milligan said.
Milligan said that there have been some learning struggles in softball. “There are some big differences that I had to get used to. One, you can’t lead off in softball,” Milligan said. “Hitting is also different. The pitcher is closer and the windup is different, so I’ve had to adjust my timing.”
Milligan adds more to the team than her bat. She has recorded six stolen bases and has a fielding percentage of 0.965 with only two errors.
Junior infielder Cora Bissett said that Milligan has the safest glove on the field. “Routine plays are always smooth with Molly, and the field exhales when a fly ball goes to left field,” Bissett said.
Milligan said that good fielding comes with keeping it simple. “I always try to stick to the fundamentals, what my coaches call the ‘vitamins’ of fielding, because at the end of the day, I just want to make the play to help my team,” Milligan said.
Rosen said that Milligan helps the team beyond her on-field performance. “Her contributions to our program on and off the field are undeniable. She holds herself to a high standard on a daily basis and exemplifies excellence in all she does,” Rosen said. “Even with her fundamentally strong fielding and hitting skill sets, she is beyond gracious, humble, and still hungry for feedback. Molly constantly seeks to better herself on and off the field. She has a true champion mentality and an intense, focused approach to all she does on and off the field, and it is contagious.”
Bissett said that Milligan’s energy inspires the team. “Molly came into the program locked in and ready to work hard. That momentum helped get everyone going. Molly keeps the energy going on the field and is a vocal player which helps our lines of communication stay active,” Bissett said.
Milligan is a pleasure to have on a softball diamond, said Rosen. “Molly is a ballplayer through and through and contributes to any team lucky enough to have her. She is also one of the most coachable players I’ve ever had the privilege of coaching.”
A version of this article appears in print on page 8 of Volume 95, Issue 5, published May 27, 2025.
