Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Stuart.
Morgan, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I played softball at The University of Washington from 2008-2011 and won a National Championship my sophomore season (2009). I started coaching while I was still in college, but didn’t gain popularity in the area until I helped start a traveling clinic business called The Packaged Deal in 2014. Since then, I have expanded my own brand to include infield lessons and mental training.
I grew up a quiet and shy player and have always had the mission to connect with girls who struggle with some of the same fears and doubts that held me back. The defensive side of the game resonates with me because of how many people tend to overlook it in comparison to players that hit home runs or are louder, in general. I want to be an example to girls growing up that there’s no one way to be great. Be who you are and be proud of that. Just like some of the most basic skills, we learn as people, being a great defender is about consistency, persistence, hard work, and determination.
Has it been a smooth road?
I have been very fortunate to be successful and to constantly get feedback via social media for what I am doing in the sport, but it wasn’t always this way. In coaching for the last nine years, it only really started coming together and I started gaining recognition in the last three-four.
From internal challenges posting about my personal life on social media and finding my voice to external challenges when met with people who don’t see softball as an equal to more popular sports, there have definitely been things that would have made matters easier had they been different.
My advice would be to never stop trying to affect your audience when your mission is clear and pure. The people that need to hear you are out there and it’s a matter of speaking at the right time and with the right methods in order to reach them.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I teach girls how to play catch and how to be OK with the failure that comes with giving their all.
Specifically, during the week, I lead infield lessons in Anaheim, CA for girls ages 8-18. We go through drills and ways they can improve at home while moving at a pace that doesn’t let them sulk if they mess up. On the weekends (we get to about 50 cities per year), I travel with The Packaged Deal as one of the founders and coaches. In that circle, I specialize in the Defense as well as being the “intense” personality of the group.
I am known for being to-the-point and direct in my coaching. I just had my very first all-defense clinic at my home high school (Riverside Poly) called Groundwork.
Who have you been inspired by?
My mom for being a beacon of good energy for me my whole life.
Natasha Watley for exuding confidence and being an amazing role model from the time I would watch her play like an Olympian all the way to the present time.
Contact Info:
- Website: Morgan-stuart.com
- Email: morgan@morgan-stuart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganstuart18/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MorganStuartSoftballInstruction/
Image Credit:
Rylee Baisden
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