POPLARVILLE, Miss. — Under head coach Christie Meeks, the Pearl River softball team has created a culture of sending players to the next level. The 2023-24 Wildcats will continue the tradition with Natalie Herrington (Petal) and Morgan Lavergne (Baton Rouge, La.; Central) signing to four-year programs with Southern Miss and Mississippi College, respectively.
"This is our first time being able to do an early signing day. I could not be more excited for these two girls. From day one, both of them have always given 100% and more. I am so happy they found their four-year homes." Pearl River head coach Christie Meeks said. "Having a talent is a God-given gift, but using that talent is up to us as an individual. Both Morgan and Natalie have not only used their talent and invested in this program, but they have impacted so many others with their passion and drive.
"They now have been blessed with the opportunity to continue shining their talent at the next level. They are a true representation of Pride, Respect, Class and Character. The legacy they will leave has impacted this program forever and set the bar yet another notch higher. I could not be prouder of them both."
NATALIE HERRINGTON
Herrington had an impressive freshman campaign for the Wildcats in 2023. Herrington earned Second Team All MACCC accolades, appearing in 28 games and compiling a 15-6 record with 15 complete games. Herrington finished the 2023 season with a 1.51 ERA while striking out 129 batters in 143 2/3 innings pitched.
"Natalie Herrington is one of the most kindhearted and most competitive people I know. She hates to lose and learns from every situation. Her sass, work ethic and determination have separated her from all the rest," Meeks said. "There is nothing that will stand in her way when she puts her mind to it. I love that we get to watch her childhood dream come true and have the opportunity to be able to play at a place she has loved since she can remember."
Herrington will head to Hattiesburg and join the pitching staff at Southern Miss.
"Going home was obviously a big factor in that decision. Coach (Natalie) Poole and all of the assistants were amazing. I see a lot of similarities between their program and this program, especially in the family atmosphere. That was a big reason why I chose Southern Miss."
Herrington reflected on her time at PRCC.
"Pearl River is such a special place. It became home so quickly." Herrington said. "These girls mean so much to me, and the coaches have pushed me to be a better athlete and person. They put the players first, and I couldn't have imagined going anywhere else."
MORGAN LAVERGNE
Lavergne will continue her playing career at Mississippi College. A 2023 Second Team All MACCC selection, Lavergne was the catalyst behind a potent Wildcat offense in 2023. She led all Wildcats with ten or more at-bats with a .391 batting average and a .473 on-base percentage. Lavergne was the team leader in home runs (12), doubles (16), triples (3) and RBI (46).
"Morgan's work ethic is unmatched. She is the kind of player that never leaves the field clean. She can truly say that she lays it all out every day with no regrets," Meeks said. "She is coachable, and even though she is only 5-foot, she plays with a heart as if she was 6-foot-4. I'm so glad she chose Pearl River and now will continue on at Mississippi College, making her unmatchable mark."
Lavergne spoke about her time at The River.
"Pearl River is such a special place. It became home so quickly. These girls mean so much to me and the coaches have pushed me to be not just a better athlete but a better person," Lavernge said of her time at PRCC. "They put the players first, and I couldn't have imagined going anywhere else."
For Lavergne, Mississippi College was a good fit.
"The coaching staff was very welcoming. They have a great mindset similar to mine." Lavergne said. "They love to win, and they love to compete. It was also a very good atmosphere, and it was very family-like. It was a lot like Pearl River, and that's why I chose to go there."
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