Great careers do not always begin in the biggest spotlight. Sometimes they begin with one coach who believes in you, a willingness to keep proving yourself, and the courage to dream bigger than your circumstances.
In this episode of When the Cleats Come Off, Ashley sits down with Morgan Zerkle, the new leader of Marshall Softball and one of the most dynamic players to come through the mid-major ranks, for a conversation about belief, opportunity, and the next chapter of her career. A former Marshall standout who later represented Team USA and built a professional softball career, Zerkle returned to her alma mater as head coach in June 2023 after four seasons on the Miami (Ohio) staff. Â
This episode blends excitement for a new season with a bigger message about what is possible for athletes who may not come from traditional powerhouse programs, but still have the work ethic and mindset to reach the highest levels of the game.
Why Mid-Major Athletes Should Never Count Themselves Out
Morgan’s journey is a strong reminder that athletes do not need a Power 5 label to dream big.
She talks about how coming from a mid-major program shaped her mindset and why she never let that background limit what she believed was possible. Instead of seeing it as a disadvantage, she used it as fuel — continuing to work, develop, and prove that elite players can come from anywhere.
That perspective is especially meaningful for athletes who sometimes feel like their path looks different from everyone else’s.
The Power of One Coach Believing in You
One of the strongest themes in the conversation is how much it matters when a coach truly believes in an athlete.
Morgan reflects on how that kind of support helped unlock confidence in both her playing and coaching journey. Belief from the right person can change the way athletes see themselves, how they handle pressure, and what they feel capable of chasing.
This part of the episode is a powerful reminder that coaching is never just about instruction — it is also about helping athletes become more fully who they are capable of being.
Turning Playing Success Into Coaching Leadership
Now stepping into her first season as head coach at Marshall, Morgan shares her excitement about leading The Herd and what it means to return home in a different role. Marshall announced her hiring on June 26, 2023, after she helped Miami (Ohio) reach three straight NCAA tournaments as an assistant coach. Â
Her journey from standout player to professional athlete to head coach gives this episode added depth. She is not just leading from theory — she is leading from lived experience, and that perspective shapes the way she views culture, opportunity, and athlete development.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Why mid-major athletes should not put limits on their dreams
Talent, work ethic, and belief can take athletes far beyond labels. - How one coach’s belief can shape a career
Support and trust can unlock confidence and growth. - What Morgan learned from her own path as a player
Using experience to lead with perspective and purpose. - Why this new chapter at Marshall means so much
Returning to her alma mater to lead the program forward. - How athletes can keep building even when the path looks different
Staying committed to growth instead of comparison.
