Hempfield's Morgan Ryan to finish career at Seton Hill

Morgan Ryan has one more year of college softball left. She will play it in her backyard.

The recent Notre Dame grad who was a supreme talent at Hempfield will chase a master’s degree at Seton Hill. While she’s at it, she will play a fifth year as a member of the Griffins.

“It’s like a full-circle ending,” Ryan said.

Ryan will gain a less hectic schedule, the ability to be closer to home and a chance to work in her chosen field.

Seton Hill’s NCAA Division II softball team, meantime, will gain a seasoned fireballer in the circle, a strong bat and a positive teammate who can bring Division I experience and leadership.

Ryan, though, is looking to blend in more than share war stories from South Bend and the front lines of the NCAA regionals.

This move is not about throwing around D-I clout. That is not Ryan’s persona.

“If I don’t play one inning, that’s OK,” Ryan said. “I don’t want to come in and step on anyone’s toes. I just want to help any way I can. I can still get better and improve my game. My main reason for going to Seton Hill is to study and get my degree. Softball will be break time from school.”

Notre Dame, Ryan’s dream school, did not offer a physician’s assistant program, so she began searching for schools that did. When she came across Seton Hill and its 27-month program, the wheels began to turn and the next move in her career came into focus.

“Once I got accepted, I reached out to the coaches,” Ryan said. “I never expected to get a fifth year (of eligibility) in the first place, so it’s not something you’re thinking about. I am anxious to try this.”

Ryan also considered St. Francis (Pa.), which also would have met her academic needs. She could have played softball there, as well. But Seton Hill felt more like the right place. Logistics were high on her list.

“I chose Seton Hill for several reasons,” said Ryan, who plans to work in the Excela orthopedic office in Greensburg full time until January when she starts at Seton Hill. “I am excited to see how it goes.”

Ryan will reunite with former Hempfield teammate Jenna Osikowicz, who had a career season for the Griffins and earned PSAC West Athlete of the Year. The outfielder also plans to play one more year.

“The covid year was tough,” Ryan said. “But this is a positive that came out of it for me. I can’t wait to play with Jenna again. We started playing together at West Point when we were 9 years old. She is one of my best friends.”

Notre Dame finished 33-15 this season after going 2-2 at the NCAA Regional in Lexington, Ky. Ryan, known for her prowess as a strikeout pitcher at Hempfield, settled in to a relief role for the Fighting Irish as her career unfolded.

She saved her best for last, reminding fans she can still swing the bat. Ryan was a feared cleanup hitter at Hempfield, and she resurrected that offensive pop when she belted a three-run homer in a 12-3, five-inning win over Kentucky in the second game of the regional.

She also earned the pitching win, working 4 2/3 innings of scoreless relief while allowing two hits.

“I said I wanted to hit a home run before graduating, and it was great to be able to do it,” Ryan said. “The pitchers here have a contest to see who can hit more home runs. We’re all hitting pitchers. I entered the race.”

Ryan only had six hits in 20 at-bats in her college career, but three of them went for extra bases.

“All year, she has been preparing for her role,” Notre Dame coach Deanna Gumpf said. “She has been put into tough situations every single game. She came in (during) huge moments. I am so proud of her. I love her composure and leadership.”

For the season, Ryan finished 4-2 with a 1.32 ERA in 20 appearances (four starts) with two saves, 26 strikeouts and 12 walks.

“Pitching-wise, every time I got innings I feel like I got better and better throughout the season,” she said. “I had to adjust to the way things are in college. It’s not like when you play for your high school or travel team, and you’re pitching every inning of every game. In college, it’s not about how much you play or when you play, it’s about what you do with the innings you’re pitching.”

She finished 6-4 in her career with a 2.98 ERA, 62 Ks and 37 walks in 111 2/3 innings.