Abilene Christian
New Mexico
Meggers Aims to Keep Hitting as ACU Hosts New Mexico
2/19/2026 12:37:00 PM | Softball
ACU hosts New Mexico for a Friday doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m., and a single game on Saturday at 12 p.m. at Poly Wells Field.
Emerson Meggers didn't expect her first college home run to come in the opening weekend of the season. She didn't expect to step into a leadership role, either. But in her first year at Abilene Christian, the transfer from Utah State is discovering how quickly belief, opportunity, and a little extra work in the cage can change everything.
Meggers, an infielder who has started 10 of ACU's 11 games, arrived in Abilene with experience, confidence, and a quiet presence that's beginning to grow louder.
"I didn't think I was going to have that much of an impact on the team, but I'm happy I do," she said. "I've kind of stepped out of my comfort zone. Talking and being a leader isn't really like me—I have a lot to say, but I normally keep it to myself. I feel like I've really branched out that way."
As the Wildcats prepare to host New Mexico for a three-game series Friday and Saturday, Meggers has become one of the team's most consistent bats and a steady voice for a young roster still learning how good it can be.
Finding the Right Fit
Meggers' path to ACU began long before she entered the transfer portal. She first met head coach Jo Koons when she was 10 years old, and their connection resurfaced when Koons reached out through mutual ties at Utah State, Koons' alma mater and where Meggers spent her first two years in college.
"I had known Coach Koons even when I was in travel ball because she actually, when I was like 10, helped run a practice for my travel ball team," Meggers said.
What sold her wasn't just familiarity—it was Koons' reputation for investing in players beyond the diamond.
"She's very faith-led as a coach and she really cares about who her players are off the field," Meggers said. "That was a big thing I wanted—to play for someone who really cared about me and was willing to put the time in to make me a better person on and off the field."
Growing Into a Leader
With a roster of 15 newcomers, including eight freshmen, Meggers' experience has been invaluable. She's learning to pair her example with her voice, something her teammates have noticed.
"A lot of the freshmen have come up to me telling me they really appreciate when I talk," she said. "Coming here really got me out of my shell to be a leader. I feel like I can be a leader with my actions, but I've been trying to use my voice a lot more."
Even as the Wildcats have battled through a challenging start, Meggers says the energy in the locker room remains strong.
"We're disappointed because we know we're better, but we're just going to keep showing up every day and putting in the work. We're not going to let these losses tear us down because we know how good we could be. I have a feeling we're going to get over that hump this weekend."
Power at the Plate
Meggers has backed up her leadership with production. She credits ACU's emphasis on individualized hitting mechanics—what's called motor preferences—for unlocking more power in her swing.
"I didn't change my swing a whole lot, but it taught me how to use my body," Meggers said. "That was my first career home run I've ever hit the first weekend, so I feel like I'm learning how to use my body a lot more."
She believes the same approach will spark the entire lineup.
"That's why I have so much faith in our team. We showed a little bit against Ohio State that we can hit. We have all the skills and the ability."
Settling Into Abilene
Off the field, Meggers is embracing life at ACU and the rhythm of a smaller college town.
"I'm from California, so I'm used to bigger towns, a lot more going on. Abilene's a little smaller, but it's great. I went to a Christian school my whole life, so I'm used to the chapel and all that, and it's great to be at a place where you can express your faith."
She recently switched her major to sport management and is considering several paths after graduation.
"I want to try to go to X-ray tech school after, but I've also been looking into director of operations—working behind the scenes for sports teams, she said. That really interests me."
For now, her focus is on helping the Wildcats take the next step, starting with this weekend's series against New Mexico. With a new home, a new voice, and a swing that's clicking, Meggers is proving exactly why ACU believed she could make an impact.
This Weekend
ACU hosts New Mexico for a Friday doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m., and a single game on Saturday at 12 p.m. at Poly Wells Field.
