Morgan Estell brings more to the plate than just an impressive batting average.
As an 18-year-old freshman, coaches and teammates agree her dedication and work ethic make Estell an outstanding player.
An education major from Kimberly, Estell became involved in sports at a young age.
"I started playing tee ball, then I started playing softball when I was 9," Estell said. "Then I played travel ball when I was 12, and that's what got me here."
Estell graduated from Mortimer Jordan High School, where she ran cross-country and played softball for four seasons.
She said her favorite softball memory was winning the 5A softball state championship two years in a row during 2008 and 2009.
It was during her high school softball career that Estell discovered Auburn on a summer trip.
"I came to a summer camp for softball--my old travel ball team did," Estell said. "I fell in love with the campus.
"And from then on I was like, 'This is where I want to go'."
It was more than just the athletics that brought Estell to Auburn, though.
"It was the atmosphere, really," Estell said. "I love the team, I love the coaches, but I just love the family atmosphere that Auburn brings."
Estell is the oldest daughter of Kerry and Linda Estell and has a younger sister, Madalyn, 13.
The team will play 55 games this season and started the year with the longest winning streak in Auburn softball history.
Estell leads the Tigers with a batting average of .484.
Steve Johnson, assistant softball coach, said Estell has a great attitude both on and off the field.
"She's very dedicated as an athlete and in everything that she does," Johnson said. "She's got a maturity level as a freshman that you just don't see a lot."
Estell said her biggest influence is Ken Hayes, a former coach.
"He has been my travel ball coach since I was 12 years old," Estell said.
"To this day, I still consider him one of the biggest reasons why I'm here and the biggest reason that I'm so successful."
In her rookie year at Auburn, Estell has stepped up to the plate and been a true team player.
"She has earned the respect of all of her teammates by her dedication in the cages, the weight room and doing all the little things," Johnson said.
Johnson said Estell worked hard to earn a spot on the lineup as a freshman and her hard work has paid off.
"That's probably first and foremost, her work ethic, and the dedication of being able to put in the little things," Johnson said. "That's what we want other people to do as well."
In her spare time, Estell likes to exercise her creative side.
Estell is a first baseman and an outfielder and said she loves the competitive nature of the sport.
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