LLOYD —
The old saying goes home is where the heart is. For Greenup County’s Meriah Euton, Shawnee State is close enough to her heart.
Earlier this week the former Lady Musketeer catcher signed to be a part of the Shawnee State softball program.
When the chance came up for her to play college softball close to home, Euton jumped at the chance.
“I’m a hometown girl,” Euton said. “It’s close to home and my papaw, which is really important to me. Probably the main reason for me going there is that he’s so close.”
When Euton told her grandfather of her decision to play close to home and his response was of love, and a little bit of advice.
“He cried,” Euton said of her grandfather’s reaction. “And he told me every home game, he’ll be there and he told me to keep my eye on the ball.”
Euton has played at the varsity level for Greenup County for four years and earned All-District honors her junior and senior year.
This season she was chosen for the All-Area team after leading the Musketeers in home runs, triples and doubles along with a .400 batting average.
Greenup County coach Eric Keeton said while she is going for softball, she adds a lot in the classroom as well.
“Meriah is a hard worker and they are getting a good student athlete,” Keeton said. “I just think when you’re going to have a member on your program you need and a complete player, and Meriah is someone who not only works hard on the field but also in the classroom.”
Euton plans on studying business management while earning her bachelor’s degree, then hopes to go onto earn her master’s degree in a related field.
Shawnee State became interested in Euton after she went to an open tryout-practice session held by the Lady Bears.
After getting to play with her future teammates, Euton hopes that she can bring some positivity to the team next season.
“I hope to add leadership even though I’m just a freshman,” Euton said. “One of my main goals is to bring a positive attitude and to keep cheering, even from the dugout and hopefully just be an asset to the team.”
Euton has only been at the catcher’s position for three years, and before that she has never really been behind the plate before.
But one of the main things that attracted Shawnee State to Euton was her throw down times during her tryout she said.
Keeton knows that while Euton’s catching experience is low, she’s only going to get better as the years go by.
“She’s been a starter for us the last three years and she’s developed into a good catcher,” Euton said. “She only is getting better and the Shawnee State coaches will develop her better and she’ll be a dependable player for them for years to come.”
Euton was a dependable player for the Keeton this past year, leading the Lady Musketeers to the 16th Region Tournament.
That last game was bittersweet for Euton as she was able to help lead her team to the region tournament one last time, but would be saying goodbye to her team and coach afterwards.
But with her signing with the Lady Bears, Euton gets to do what many girls don’t get to do, continue her career to the college level.
“I feel blessed and that God has blessed me with this opportunity,” Euton said.
KYLE HOBSTETTER can be reached at khobstetter@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2658.
Local Sports
Hometown girl Euton signs with Shawnee
Greenup County catcher wanted to stay close to her family
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