An exceptional sophomore softball pitcher, Regan Mergele, is helping lead the top-ranked Butler Grizzlies to new heights.

The defending NJCAA National Champions have started the 2017 season undefeated through 32 games and are laser-focused on repeating as National Champs.



In the midst of her second dominating year with the Grizzles, #19 Regan Mergele is now drawing attention from D-I level programs. But, how did a high school star from Texas end up in El Dorado, Kansas playing at the junior college level in the first place?

Our chat with Regan reveals why. This star pitcher has a great attitude, drive to be successful, and uncanny vision to see that head coach Doug Chance's Butler Softball program was the best fit for her coming out of high school.

The decision has paid off - Regan is now ready for the D-I level and she has the opportunity to be part of the 2017 Canada Cup this summer. Here's Regan's story on how she got this point...

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Regan Mergele

Team: Butler Grizzlies
Position: Pitcher
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
ERA: .31
Fielding Percentage: .833

​You've been part of an amazing run for Butler softball winning a National Title and being undefeated so far this season. What has this experience been like as a freshman and sophomore playing at the college level? This experience playing at the college level has been absolutely incredible. I have honestly never been so in love with this game as I am now. This team is incredible and so passionate - it is hard not to be in love with this game on this team.

Now that you're drawing attention from D-I level schools, what has this new recruitment process been like? And, how many schools would you estimate are interested in recruiting you? The new recruitment process has been extremely exciting but also a little stressful at times. Focusing on this season, school, and a social life has been a little overwhelming while looking into schools to see which one would best fit me.

As of right now, my coach has talked to me about eight schools give or take.

You played high school softball at Texas 6A program Smithson Valley. So, how were you recruited to Butler after playing high school softball? Is there an interesting recruiting story or background on heading to Butler instead of the D-I level? I was actually at an Arkansas softball camp when I met Coach Chance. At that point, I had never thought about going the junior college route, but after talking to him and visiting Butler, I knew that was where I was meant to go in order to improve, not only physically but also mentally.

I have always dreamed of going to a big D-I school and I knew Coach Chance could get me there. And I was not let down.

How would you describe your softball pitching style and strengths as a pitcher? I am a power pitcher - I use my legs a ton and push off hard. My strengths would be how my ball moves. Believe it or not my fastball even moves a ton and it helps me go after every batter with everything I have. And, if I get behind in a count, I can always come back.

What does it mean to you to be selected to represent NJCAA level softball at the Canada Cup this summer? To be selected to represent NJCAA Softball in Canada this summer has been a dream come true. I am so excited - this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I am so lucky and blessed to be able to attend this.

What is even more exciting, though, is that I get to attend this with my teammate Brynn Minor! She is outstanding and I am so happy we get to experience this together.

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Rapid-Fire with Regan Mergele

Where is your sweet 2016 National Title ring right now? My National Championship is sitting safely in its case right in front of a picture of our team on my dresser.

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What is your favorite pre-game or post-game tradition? My favorite pre-game tradition would have to be in the morning when I'm making breakfast. I eat the same thing every breakfast on Gameday and I just jam out listening to music.

What kind of music do you listen to before pitching? I have a variety of songs that I listen to - I go from country to rap to pop.

What are you studying right now at Butler? Right now at Butler, I am just taking general courses for liberal arts. But, at my next school, I will be studying special education.

Describe yourself on the field and off the field. On the field I am confident and loud; off the field I am outgoing and friendly.

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Final Words from Regan Mergele

Regan closed our interview with this passionate message about the pride she feels in Butler Softball:

If it were not for this program and these coaches, I would not be where I am today. This has been one of the most competitive programs I have ever been part of; the coaches not only work us physically but also prepare us mentally for every game.

It's great that we are being recognized for the tremendous season that we have had so far, but people don't realize what it takes to be in our position. We have no days off and work extremely hard every day.

"We as a team will not settle for anything less than perfection. There is always room for improvement and we walk into every day hungry for more and to get better."

That mindset is why Butler Softball won the 2016 NJCAA National Title. It's also why the Grizzlies might go back-to-back with Regan Mergele in the circle. We can't wait to see how the 2017 season finishes and where Regan pitches next season.

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