Morgan Dennis of CCHS signed to play softball at Marion Military Institute during a ceremony on Nov. 3.

Speed is important in nearly every sport, but especially as a center fielder in softball.

It was Dennis’ quickness and ability to read the ball that caught the attention of MMI head coach Jeff Benson.

“We were at a camp and saw her work ethic and what she was doing,” Benson said. “We think she can be a step-in outfielder for us right out of the gate.”

According to Benson, having speed is just the first step, but the ability to track the ball off the bat is just as important.

“People that are fast, can’t always read the ball, and she’s got all of it,” Benson said. “It doesn’t matter how fast you get there, if you can’t catch it.”

According to Dennis, she seemed to connect right away with Benson’s energetic coaching style and likes the way he pushes his players to get the very best out of them.

She has found a home in centerfield throughout her high school career after being thrust into the role as a freshman.

“I love when I’m running for a deep fly ball and it’s really hard to get to,” Dennis said. “I just challenge myself everyday to get to it.”

Base running is another aspect of Dennis’ game where speed can become a major factor. She has shown a consistency to reach base and create a nightmare of a situation for the opposing team.

At this point, Dennis is the lone senior on the CCHS softball team, which means that an extra amount of responsibility will be placed on her shoulders to help lead.

“We’re a young team and we’re going to rely on her heavily,” CCHS assistant coach Johnny Giles said.

The leading role is not something that Dennis has shied away from in the past, both with her performance on the field and her attitude away from it.

“She is a wonderful kid to coach with a great attitude,” Johnny Giles said. “She’s flat out the kind of kid that you want to coach.”

During her final season, Dennis is looking forward to more wins and the team coming together as a family.

“Morgan is one of our strongest mental and physical athletes out there on the field,” CCHS head coach Keeley Yeargan said. “She’s a go-getter and will do anything that we ask her to do.”