Megan Grant Ties NCAA Softball Home Run Record in Big Ten Semifinals

UCLA senior Megan Grant just tied the NCAA Division I softball single-season home run record. With her 37th homer, she matched Laura Espinoza’s mark from 1995.

This happened in the second inning of the Big Ten tournament semifinals against Wisconsin. UCLA dominated that game, winning 19-5.

Grant reached this milestone in only 54 games. She’ll get a shot to break the record in the upcoming final against Nebraska.

The Journey to the Record

Grant’s path to this moment? Honestly, it’s been wild. She’s always packed a punch at the plate and stood out every season.

Last year, she set the Big Ten single-season home run record with 26. This season, she’s gone even further, batting .478 and landing in the top 10 hitters nationwide.

Competing Against the Best

Grant’s record-tying swing fits into a bigger story in NCAA softball this year. She’s been neck and neck with Oklahoma freshman catcher Kendall Wells, who’s also been chasing the same record.

Wells has 36 home runs right now, but her team got knocked out of the SEC tournament. That gives Grant a slight advantage going into the final.

Even with all the competition, Grant keeps her eyes on the team. She talks a lot about teamwork and not letting the numbers distract her. *To be honest, I think us as players, we try to do the best we can no matter what,* she said, showing how much she values her teammates.

Team Achievements

The UCLA Bruins and Oklahoma Sooners have both smashed the previous record for home runs in a season. Before Oklahoma’s exit from the SEC tournament, both teams sat at 173 homers.

The Sooners used to hold the NCAA single-season team record with 161 set in 2001. This year’s power surge really highlights just how stacked both squads are.

Looking Ahead

Now, Grant’s focus is on the Big Ten championship game against Nebraska. She’s just one home run away from breaking the record, but she’s not letting that distract her.

*I think it’s a really important game for us, the Big Ten championship,* she said. That’s where her mind is right now.

After college ball wraps up, Grant’s got more ahead. She recently went fourth overall to the Portland Cascade in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League college draft.

That pick just cements her as one of the country’s top hitters. She’s already looking toward her pro career.

Impact on the Sport

Grant’s home run spree didn’t just add her name to the record books. It’s also turned heads and inspired a lot of young athletes.

This season’s rivalry between Grant and Wells has really put the spotlight on women’s collegiate softball. The level of talent and competition is honestly incredible.

Mentorship and Inspiration

Grant’s been a mentor and inspiration for her teammates all along. She always has praise for the people around her, including teammate Jordan Woolery, who was also drafted into the Athletes Unlimited Softball League.

*Being able to watch [teammate] Jordan Woolery — a gift every single day in front of my eyes,* Grant said. You can tell she appreciates the talent around her.

Her leadership and work ethic have made her a role model for a lot of young players. Grant’s success is really about hard work, grit, and just loving the game.