Softball | 4/15/2026 10:23:00 AM

CROOKSTON, Minn. - Softball is a game built on failure, resilience, and the moments that make it all worth it—where one swing, one play, or one memory can stay with a player for a lifetime

For Sydney McMurdie, a sophomore from Twin Falls, Idaho, majoring in animal science pre-vet, softball has always been more than just a game—it's been part of her life from the very beginning. Growing up around the sport with her dad coaching her brother's team, she was constantly surrounded by baseball and softball. She started out playing baseball before eventually transitioning into softball, a sport she quickly fell in love with. Over the years, her role on the field has changed, beginning as a pitcher, moving to third base—her favorite position—and now settling into the outfield corners after a shoulder injury made it difficult to continue playing in the infield.

Her injury marked one of the toughest stretches of her career. After putting in extensive work rehabbing her shoulder, Sydney felt stronger than ever—only to suffer an ankle injury shortly after. "I felt the strongest I've ever been, and then I had to restart injury-wise because of my ankle," she said. "It's tough to lose that and just keep working through it." Still, her motivation runs deeper than the physical setbacks. Sydney plays for something—and someone—bigger than herself. Her best friend Laney, who passed away at just 16 years old, remains her biggest inspiration. "Playing softball with her was the greatest thing," Sydney said. "I wear number 21 for her. I play for her."

Across the field, senior catcher Emilee Haggadone from Lincoln, Nebraska has built her own journey through the sport, one rooted in consistency and love for the game. She began playing at just four years old and never looked back. "I just loved softball throughout the years," she said. As a catcher, her mindset is built on trust. "At the plate, it's about trusting myself. You've been doing this your whole life—you know what to do." While Sydney's challenges have largely been physical, Emilee's have come more from the mental side of the game. "There are a lot of trials every year," she said. "For me, it's about focusing on what I can control and just being where my feet are."

Both players have had to grow through adversity, learning how to navigate setbacks while keeping their long-term goals in mind. For Sydney, that meant making a difficult decision regarding her shoulder injury—choosing between continuing to play through pain or prioritizing her future health. "I love the sport, but I had to be honest with myself," she said. "I want to go into veterinary work with big animals, and I need my body for that." That perspective helped reshape her mindset, not only in recovery but in how she approaches the game. "I had to change my mindset from how much I play to how much I get to play," she said. Emilee has experienced a similar shift. When she first arrived, her focus centered heavily on personal stats and performance goals, but over time, that changed. "I learned it's better to focus on game by game and just doing your part," she said. "It's more fulfilling that way."

Their growth has paralleled the development of their team at Minnesota Crookston. With an influx of younger players over the past couple of seasons, building chemistry didn't happen overnight. "Last year it was rough to connect because there were so many of us," Sydney said. "But this year, we're really close and working well together." That bond shows up in the way they support each other during games—whether it's cheering from the dugout, helping a teammate reset between innings, or simply being present for one another. "I always try to let my teammates know I'm their biggest fan," Sydney said. "Even just having their glove ready or helping them prepare for the next inning." The connection extends beyond the field too, in small but meaningful ways, like sharing snacks—especially Becca's, which both players agree are a team favorite, with Cheez-Its disappearing almost instantly, noticed by Emilee as she holds a deep love for white cheddar Cheez-Its

Handling hardship has become part of both players' identities. McMurdie leans into communication, relying on honest conversations with her coaches to work through struggles. "I'm really good at talking one-on-one with them," she said. "They help me figure things out." Haggadone, on the other hand, prefers to take a step back and process things internally before reengaging. "I'm someone who takes time to myself first," she said. "Then I come back ready to go." Despite their different approaches, both have found ways to stay grounded and push forward.

Some of their most memorable moments reflect not just individual success, but team achievement. Sydney recalls hitting a walk-off, while Emilee points to the satisfaction of upsetting teams they weren't expected to beat. Both also highlight trips to Florida as standout experiences—times where the team not only competed at a high level but truly connected off the field.

Outside of softball, they both enjoy staying active and spending time outdoors. McMurdie loves hiking and being on the river, while Haggadone shares a similar appreciation for outdoor activities. Their personalities also come through in their walk-up songs—Sydney stepping up to "Here Comes the Hotstepper," while Emilee brings energy with "Greenlight" by Flo Rida.

Their decisions to attend the University of Minnesota Crookston, were shaped by different but equally meaningful reasons. McMurdie was drawn to the strength of the animal science program and the unique opportunities it offers for her future in veterinary medicine. Haggadone, meanwhile, was looking for a change of scenery and a chance to step outside her comfort zone. "I wanted that experience of being away from home," she said. "And I liked that I could get into research quickly." After graduation, she hopes to continue her education at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Through injuries, mental challenges, and the natural ups and downs of athletics, both Sydney McMurdie and Emilee Haggadone have come to understand that the game is about more than performance—it's about perspective, resilience, and growth. Their journeys reflect a shared belief that success isn't defined solely by stats or playing time, but by the effort put in, the lessons learned, and the relationships built along the way. And for those who follow after them, their message is simple: come in as yourself, build connections, and keep pushing to grow—not just as an athlete, but as a person. Because at the end of the day, as Haggadone puts it, being proud of yourself goes beyond anything else.