BOONE, N.C. – Baylee Morton is a native of Monroe, N.C., and a 2022 graduate of App State University. During her five years as a Mountaineer, Morton compiled many accomplishments. However, no accomplishment may be as important to her than being a member of the App State softball team.
Morton had a tremendous career at App State. She played in 235 games, the second most ever in App State softball history, and made 227 starts. Morton would also hit 33 home runs, the fourth-most in program history, and drove in 109 runs, the sixth-most in program history.
Morton cherished her time in the Black & Gold. She had a prolific career in Boone and left her mark on the program in several ways. Now, she is using the knowledge she gained and the lessons she learned as a player into coaching at Wingate University.
Let's get to know Morton a little better and hear about the impact she felt as a member of App State softball.
Q: What have you been up to since you graduated from App State?
A: Since graduation, I became a teacher, but you know I couldn't stop coaching, so I was an assistant for Union Academy. We won the state tournament for the first time in school history, so that was cool to be a part of. During the summer, I accepted the job at Wingate which is close to where I grew up. It's surreal to be able to give back to a community that I grew up in. In my personal life, I am getting married in October, and I just recently got a puppy. So, I'm definitely staying busy.
Q: What life lessons did you gain from App State Softball?
A: I find myself two years later still telling people that playing softball for App State was the best thing to happen to me. The biggest lesson I learned was resilience. Coach Hoerner and her staff constantly taught us to get back up after failing.
Q: How did your time at App State prepare you for your future career in coaching?
A: I always knew I wanted to stay around this game and coaching was that way in. I developed close relationships with the staff, and even though I was a player, I was constantly watching and evaluating their coaching styles. I saw how they communicated with us and with each other. I saw how they held us to a high standard and kept us accountable, but also let us know how much they value us and love us. Something that has always stuck with me was how loved and appreciated I felt during my time at App. I just hope my team feels that now.
Q: Did you always know you wanted to be a coach? What led you to that career path?
A: I always knew that I wanted to be around the game. It's really all I know. Since I was able to walk, I have been around the sport. I just love to compete and I'm so thankful that my job allows my competitive edge to still come out.
Q: What is the best part of being a coach and continuing to be around the game that you played your whole career?
A: The best part about being a coach is building relationships. I love to be around people and to be around people who share the same drive and passion for the game as I do. I am so grateful for Coach Stanclift and Coach Sims for allowing me to fulfill my dream and to pour my knowledge into these young adults just like coaches in the past have done for me.
