Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent

Lennon Monaco always had a passion for softball. However, she did get a little push in the beginning. “I started playing softball with the Bryan County Rec department when I was seven,” recalled Monaco. “I started playing with the encouragement from Avery Fisher (a 2022 Richmond Hill graduate).

“We met because our brothers played football together, and we were both dragged to their practices and games. I really looked up to her because she was older than me, nice, fun and athletic. She would come to my games and watch me play and wait to talk to me after.

“I might have not even tried softball if she didn’t make it seem so cool.”

This fall, Monaco will play third base and also likely see some time in the outfield for the Wildcats. Last season, Monaco hit .348 with 18 RBIs, 13 stolen bases, and an on-base percentage of .502.

Head coach Chris Jenkins sees Monaco as a key player on the team.

“Many players would only want to play where they are comfortable, but she has been unselfish and worked hard to improve her defense,” noted Jenkins. “She also handles the bat extremely well and has always been a catalyst for our offense.”

Monaco is confident she can play her part among her teammates.

“I think my role on the team is more of a silent leader,” said Monaco. “My strength is more one on one encouragement. I hope to be the senior that the younger girls look up to and know that they can come to me if they need to.”

Since she began playing softball, Monaco knew it would eventually be her main sport.

“I have always felt comfortable playing softball,” reflected Monaco. “I played all the sports and did gymnastics when I was little. Softball and gymnastics are the only ones that I never lost my passion for. But I eventually gave up gymnastics in middle school to devote all my energy to softball.”

Yet, Monaco is well aware of both sides of the game.

“The biggest thing I’ve had to overcome as a player is understanding that softball is a game of failure,” admitted Monaco. “I've had the same coach, Coach Jenkins, for all four years, and he constantly teaches and emphasizes this point. You have to learn to fail in order to learn how to win.”

Last season, Monaco began to quickly understand the mental aspects of playing softball.

“As a freshman, I was in a slump with a terrible mindset would be an understatement,” said Monaco. “It wasn't until my junior year that I understood not every game is your game. Perfection might seem like the standard for a ‘school’ athlete, but that's not the reality.

“What really matters is being able to return to the dugout after going 0-for-2 at bat and staying positive, or encouraging the next player after dropping a fly ball. Telling yourself, ‘next time, I'll make that play," or "I will get a hit.’”

Entering her senior season, Monaco has realized how she has matured on and off the field.

“Staying positive and confident, not just for yourself but also for your teammates, has a huge impact on the game,” explained Monaco. “I've learned that accepting failure and knowing how to handle it can make a huge difference, it took me four years to figure that out. If I had understood this as a freshman, I feel like it could have changed everything.”

Her father, Randy, has been a consistent source of support.

“My dad was always willing to go with me to practice my batting or play catch or hit balls to me in the outfield after he got off work and on the weekends,” said Monaco. “And he still always makes sure that my bat bag is packed, fixes my water bottle and reminds me to have fun! He’s there watching every game and encouraging me after.”

Kissy Braswell, her coach for her Brunswick-based Coastal Chaos travel team, also has been a driving force.

“She has been a big influence as well,” said Monaco about Braswell. “I have played for her in some capacity since I was 12. And she is still coaching and encouraging me in my final season of travel ball. I know she will always be a part of my life, even after softball.”

Jenkins stressed how Monaco has been a tablesetter for the team.

“We looked at the stats over the last two seasons, and in games where she reached base two times or more, we averaged over 7 runs a game,”said Jenkins. “We're excited with what we've seen from her taking on a more vocal role this summer, that is only a sign of good things to come for her and the tea