There are few principle contributors to what has become a golden era of Neuqua Valley softball.
Count Abby Meeks atop such a list.
Meeks, who played first base this season, was the senior captain for the Wildcats. She was unanimously selected all-conference by the DuPage Valley and named the DVC Co-Player of the Year.
She hit .422 with a .546 on-base percentage and a .892 slugging percentage. She totaled 35 runs, 12 doubles, four triples, six home runs and 34 RBIs.
Most importantly?
Meeks, the 2019 Naperville Sun Player of the Year, led Neuqua (18-7, 9-1) as the Wildcats defended their conference championship, one season after winning their first share of the title in 15 years.
“I was lucky enough to be a captain this year, so that was my biggest role,” Meeks said. “Whatever coach needed me to do, that’s what I’ll do and trust that it will help the team out.”
The Wildcats entered the season having lost seven players to graduation, the majority of whom were starters. All leaders walked out the door with their caps and gowns.
To keep the strong vibes going from the best year in program history, Neuqua coach Christina Chrencik needed a true captain. She had to look no further than her best player.
“(Meeks has) meant a lot to me as an athlete and a young woman,” Chrencik said. “She holds a special place in my heart because of how committed and focused she was on making our program better in any way she could.
“She had that mindset this year and last year — it never let go of her. I value her in so many ways.”
One of the specific ways was Meeks’ defensive versatility. The Indiana recruit displayed a willingness to play wherever needed, but will move to her natural position in the outfield in college.
That didn’t matter much when the Wildcats needed a second baseman last season or a first baseman this season.
Meeks saw it as a challenge.
Position changes can enrich one’s athleticism and general understanding of the game. Plus, as Meeks pointed out, she was a captain. Her role was to do whatever was needed.
“I used to play first base a lot,” Meeks said. “So then going back there this year, I was better than I was before. Being able to see the game from different areas — first, second, outfield — I’m just a better player because of it.”
A frustrating yet understandable aspect of Meeks’ senior season was a deluge of intentional walks. She was handed 11 free passes and walked a total of 27 times.
While that opposition strategy was a source of consternation, sharing the field with her sister Hannah, a freshman, was a dream come true for both.
“We used to joke about being on the same team, but usually freshmen don’t make it up to varsity at Neuqua,” Abby said. “But when she finally did move up, it was awesome because she became a dominant part of our team.
“She came up in crucial times and shut teams down. And even her hitting was good. To see people respect her and to see her succeed humbled me, too.”
It’s yet another element of Meeks’ enduring legacy at Neuqua.
“I just had such a great time these last three years,” she said.
Rich Mayor is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.