HEBRON, Ohio — As the Lakewood High School varsity softball team gears up for the 2024 season, they’re also grieving the empty spot left on the field.
"She was taken from us far too soon,” Jon Griffiths, Lakewood High School varsity softball coach, said.
Sixteen-year-old Megan Hart died in a car crash in Licking County more than a week ago. She was on her way home from practice at the time.
"At first, it was kind of just like a shock because we had all just seen her,” Savannah Appleman, one of Hart’s teammates, said.
Hart transferred to Lakewood earlier this year.
"She was super shy at first, but then as soon as we got her out of her shell a little bit, she talked and talked and talked,” Jaycie Montie, another teammate, said.
"She always made sure you were okay, and always made you feel included,” Appleman said.
"She was just an amazing person. There's nothing that you couldn't say to Megan that she would judge you about,” Briana Hoisington, another teammate, said.
Now the team is using their grief as a way to give back.
"Softball was obviously such an important part of Megan's life and it's a big deal out here in this area as well,” Coach Griffiths said.
The team is creating a scholarship fund in Hart’s honor called "Megan’s Kids."
"What we're hoping to do is offer scholarships or pay the signup registration fees for youth players in our area to play softball who may have not had the opportunity to be able to play before,” Griffiths said.
Griffiths said it's their way of keeping her memory alive and to try to create some good out of a tragic loss.
"She made light of every situation, every struggle, she always kept us moving. So I think that's what the team needed most and we'll definitely miss that,” Bailey Maidel, another teammate, said.
It’s a loss that for many has changed their outlook on life.
"We tell each other love you and be safe every time we leave,” Hoisington said.
The team will continue to play with passion and purpose, knowing as the sign on their field reads, “Tomorrow is never promised.”
"I always remember that Megan would want me to be the best I could on the field and off the field,” Hoisington said.
"We're always going to be playing for her,” Appleman said.
"This season is for her," Montie said.
If you’d like to contribute to the fundraiser to support the Hart family, click here.