General | 9/26/2024 1:00:00 PM
Meghan Neto is set to begin her fourth season as a member of the Alfred University softball team in 2024-25. She serves as the Vice President of Alfred University's Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC). She enters her fourth season with the Saxons with a .332 career batting average, .970 OPS, 10 home runs and 76 runs batted in, while appearing in 120 career contests.
A native of Miami, FL, Neto most recently was an All-Empire 8 first team selection in 2024. She was named the 2022 Empire 8 Rookie of the Year, earned All-E8 second team honors, 2022 Empire 8 Championship All-Tournament Team honors as well as National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division III All-Region third team accolades that season.
Academically, Neto has made the Dean's List twice while earning a spot on the E8 Presidents' List in 2021. She has earned the James E. Becker Endowed Scholarship and the R. Bennett & J. Leondar Scholarship.
Meghan Neto - Empire 8 Emerging Leader
Institution: Alfred University
Sport: Softball
SAAC Role: Vice President
Major: Biology
GPA: 3.3
Community Service Projects:
Toy Drive Softball Game and Teddy Bear Toss.
Who is a Leader Who Has Made an Impact on You and Why?
My older brother Zach is someone I look up to when it comes to being a leader. He was always my role model growing up, and he always held myself and himself accountable for things that pertained to playing the game right. He always told me if you play the game right, and lead the way you're supposed to lead, then the game will reward you.
What Type of Leader Are You?
I believe we must keep working at being our best selves, but I do want to continue to work at being a leader who inspires others. I want to be the leader who motivates individuals to want to be the best versions of themselves on and off the field. For me, being a leader isn't just about leading your team, it's about showing them there's more to them than just their sport. They can be more, they can grow to be the person they aspire to one day be.
What Makes a Great Leader?
A great leader is someone who pushes their teammates to be the best, but also someone who can be a friend when in need. A great leader knows how to balance friendship and work, with both being productive and caring.
What Is a Leader's Best Asset?
A leader's best asset is the way they react to failure.
What Makes Leadership Difficult?
What makes leadership difficult is always knowing you are a role model. What you do and how you react to things are always being watched and taken in by younger athletes. You set the tone for what is ok and not ok.
What Does Leadership Look Like in a Team Setting?
In a team setting, someone who is a leader doesn't necessarily need a title. People often confuse the idea that captians are the only leaders on the team, however this is not the case. Leaders on a team are those who show their passion and respect for the game when they are on the field. They lead by example and model what a true team player looks like.
Interesting or Exciting Internships You Have Done or Are Currently Working On:
I have previously done an internship with Lanster Dental Associates where I was able to learn from Dr. Lanster and learn how to treat patients.
What Do You Aspire to See Yourself Doing in 10-15 Years?
In 10-15 years, I aspire to be an oral surgeon working in the field with professional athletes.
What Are You Most Looking Forward To This Season, Both Athletically and in SAAC?
I look forward to being a captain this season and leading my team in a positive direction. I want to focus heavily on unity and family with both my team and SAAC. When we unite individuals, we can create waves of change and community.
Favorite Athletic Memory from Your Time in College:
My favorite memory in my time at Alfred was my freshman year. We had worked hard all season, and it finally paid off when we won the Empire 8 Championship game making team 29 back-to-back champions.
Favorite thing about the Empire 8:
My favorite thing about the Empire 8 is the competitiveness of each of the teams. Every game I can feel not only my team, but the opposing team playing hard and igniting that competitive aspect of the game.
How Has Playing in the Empire 8 Prepared You for Life After College?
Playing in the Empire 8 has prepared me for life after college because it has shown me what having true passion for something can to do a person. If I lead my life following my passions and what I believe is important to me, then I know I will do great things.
Advice to Incoming Student-Athletes or Younger Teammates?
My advice to incoming students or younger teammates would be to enjoy every moment. Embrace the nerves, embrace the adrenaline rush, embrace your teammates, embrace what being a collegiate athlete is all about. You only get to play your sport and for your college for four years; so do it with pride and do it with no regrets!
E8 Dozen
1. Favorite Professional Athlete: Logan O'Hoppe, Los Angeles Angels catcher
2. Favorite Professional Team: Los Angeles Angels
3. Favorite Movie: Grown Ups 2
4. Last TV Show You Binge Watched: Dance Moms
5. Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Moose Tracks
6. Last Vacation You Went On: California
7. Dream Vacation Spot: Bahamas
8. Favorite Singer/Artist: Miley Cyrus
9. If You Could Have Any Super Power, What Would It Be?: If I could have any super power it would be to read people's minds
10. Fun-Fact About You: I can do a back flip
11. Favorite Animal: Monkeys
12. Dream Job: Oral Surgeon
ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit www.empire8.com.
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