Four years ago, Megan Mayernik left Northern Burlington Regional High School prepared and ready.
This March, The College of New Jersey senior was neither prepared nor ready when the softball season was canceled.
Mayernik had started all 122 games of her TCNJ career, she has a career batting average of .341, 18 stolen bases in 20 attempts and a very impressive fielding percentage of .948 at shortstop.
The Lions were 4-4 when the season was halted and ready to begin the always enjoyable – and productive – Florida Spring Break games.
At first it was really tough,” said Mayernik. “We had just arrived in Florida for our Spring Break games when we got the news to head back home so it was definitely emotional to realize this was probably the end of the road for me and the other two seniors, Annie (Suitovsky) and Kristen (Barrera).”
To add to the emotional letdown was the fact Mayernik and TCNJ were looking to snap a four-game losing skid to Minnesota-Morris.
“This came at a difficult time because we had so much to offer this season,” declared Mayernik. “We had worked so hard in the offseason and were expecting a lot from ourselves this season. We had a lot of returning talent and our first years were fitting into the team so well. I think that’s why it was so hard ending the season early, because we knew we were going to have a big year and didn’t have the chance to prove it.”
On and off the field, Mayernik had very little to prove, though.
But, this was to be her final year, the one that would bring all the high notes and low notes to a fitting crescendo.
“As a senior, I had big expectations for our program this season, we all did,” added Mayernik. “We wanted to compete at the highest level, defend our NJAC title and make a run in the NCAA tournament. The goals are going to stay the same for the 2021 season and I can’t wait to cheer the girls on from the stands in Ewing.”
Yes, next season Megan will be cheering from the stands.
Although seniors involved in spring sports can opt to return to school and were given another year of eligibility Mayernik decided to forego that option.
It’s a decision that did not come easily to Mayernik, though.
“Unfortunately, I won’t be taking the extra year of eligibility,” stated Mayernik. “While I would love the chance to share one last season with the girls, it’s time to hang up the cleats. My little sister, Julia, will be joining the team in the Fall and I’m really excited to get to watch her start her own journey there. It was tough because I’d have the chance to play with her for the first time ever, but it’s time for me to start working.”
A Business Management major, the gifted Mayernik was a great teammate on the field and is going to leave her mark in whichever path her dreams take her.
“I’m currently interviewing in the business field and trying to explore different career paths,” said Mayernik. “I just want to find a way to help people in my community in a field that I’m truly passionate about.”
It’s the same passion she took from Northern Burlington to The College of New Jersey, allowing Mayernik to excel in the classroom and on the softball field.
“High school ball taught me a lot and I’m lucky to have had such a great experience as a Greyhound,” said Mayernik. “It definitely made me a better team player and taught me how to be a leader, I’m thankful for my experience at Northern Burlington and having the Corcoran’s as my coaches. I’m also very fortunate to have had the trust of Coach Sally Miller as I’ve played Shortstop for the team since I got to TCNJ.”
While being a Greyhound prepared Mayernik, she definitely embraced the pride of being a TCNJ Lion.
“I am so thankful for my experience at The College of New Jersey,” said Mayernik. “I couldn’t have found a better fit for me academically or athletically. My teammates and coaches helped shape me into the person I am today and I feel really lucky to have had this opportunity.”
During Mayernik’s time on Dr. June Walker Field at TCNJ, the Lions won 82 games, a New Jersey Athletic Conference title and made two trips to the NCAA tournament.
There are many highlight reel moments to Mayernik’s career and one is definitely her sophomore season when she led the team with a .431 batting average and 56 hits.
We have all learned some lessons through these difficult times, and for Mayernik the lesson was one that just needed to be magnified.
“I’ve learned that the bond TCNJ Softball has is unbreakable,” said Mayernik. “Of course I knew we all were great friends outside of softball, but the love and support we’ve all shown each other through this tough time has been overwhelming in the best way. The girls found a way to make senior day special even though we were home, and it meant the world to me.”
Mayernik wasn’t ready for it to end, but her coaches and teammates let her know how much they appreciate all she did for them, the program and The College of New Jersey.
