Wagener-Salley's Tyler signs to play college softball

There was a special event at Wagener-Salley High School Tuesday. Morgan Tyler, a senior on the War Eagles softball team, signed a letter of intent to continue playing in college at USC Salkehatchie.

"I'm excited. I never thought I'd get to do this," Tyler said of the chance to play softball beyond high school. "When I got the opportunity, I was thrilled."

Tyler was joined at the signing - held in Wagener-Salley's library - by her parents as well as school administrators and members of the faculty.

"She's one of our leaders," said Wagener-Salley softball coach Veronica Cooper. "She knows the fundamentals and is an outstanding player."

Tyler is primarily an outfielder, but can play either corner infield position and has a growing role as a pitcher. She said she expects to be used exclusively in the outfield but is willing to do anything asked of her.

"She's very coachable," Cooper said of Tyler, who's been on Wagener-Salley's softball team since she was an eighth grader. "She's very determined and focused. Whatever she does, she puts in 110 percent."

As a hitter, Tyler admits she's not the most powerful. She's currently taking batting lessons to improve her hitting. Although she may not test the fences often, she keeps opposing pitchers honest. According to both her and Cooper, Tyler's greatest assets at the plate is her ability to identify balls and strikes.

"She's very patient at the plate," said Cooper, who illustrated the point by recalling that during a stretch of 34 plate appearances last season, Tyler drew a base on balls 18 times.

"I've got a pretty good eye," offered Tyler, who also has good timing.

The War Eagles don't attract a lot of college scouts, so few players graduate from the program to participate in college athletics. USC Salkehatchie's coach didn't know about Tyler until he saw her over the summer at a softball camp held at USC Aiken. It didn't take long after that for Tyler's recruitment to begin.

She visited the campus she previously didn't know existed at the beginning of the school year. The setting in a small community was comforting to Tyler and made her decision easier than it already was.

"I'm nervous but excited," Tyler said. "I'm stepping up a level from what I'm used to. It's going to be a huge challenge."

In addition to playing softball, Tyler plans to pursue a business degree at the two-year school. Going to USC Salkehatchie is an opportunity for both Tyler and Wagener-Salley. Tyler has proved that the school produces capable student-athletes that are worthy of consideration from colleges.

"It's good for the program," Cooper said. "It's a step toward the future. It shows the community we have talent."

Contact Noah Feit at nfeit@aikenstandard.com.