She had back surgery over a ago. Now, she's a state champion
In November 2024, Mark Morris graduate Megan Fugleberg underwent scoliosis surgery, where two rods connected with 26 screws were placed in her back to keep her spine straight.
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It was unclear if the then-junior would be able to play softball for the Monarchs during the upcoming season due to the 3-6 month recovery window.
"It was definitely my lowest moment," she said. "Getting back surgery, I thought I wasn't gonna be able to do anything."
Mark Morris coach Chris Mejia was also concerned.
"When I found out when that was gonna happen, I was very worried," he said.
Mark Morris softball: Megan Fugleberg
Mark Morris' Megan Fugleberg yells out in excitement following her home run during the 2A State Fastpitch Softball Tournament championship game against W.F. West on Saturday, May 23, at Carlon Park in Selah. Fugleberg recovered from back surgery she had prior to the start of last season and helped the Monarchs win the state title.
Their nerves have been appeased now as Fugleberg was a huge reason why the Monarchs won the state title this season. She has come a long way since that November day in the operating room, finishing her high school career as a state champion.
"It's such a great way to end my softball career, and I'm really proud of what I've done," Fugleberg said.
Quick recovery
Fugleberg had a swift recovery after the surgery, coming back just in time for the start of the 2025 season. Despite dealing with stiffer and slower movement - including the inability to slide until the state tournament and having difficulty fielding ground balls - she made a big impact for the Monarchs, notching 32 hits, including 13 doubles, and 23 RBIs while batting 0.386. She earned 2A Greater St. Helens League first team and second-team TDN All-Area honors and helped Mark Morris place third at state.
"It's pretty impressive to be so determined to come back," Mejia said. "Having the season she had coming off of back surgery was fantastic."
Fugleberg said that having the surgery and playing shortly after it were rewarding endeavors.
"It was painful, but i overcame it, and I think it was definitely worth it in how far I've come," she said.
Her tremendous progress was on full display this season as she played even better for the Monarchs, totaling 34 hits and 26 RBIs with 11 doubles, one triple, and six home runs while improving her batting average to 0.447.
Mark Morris softball: Megan Fugleberg
Mark Morris' Megan Fugleberg swings her bat during a softball game against 3A Timberline on Saturday, March 28, at 7th Avenue Park. Fugleberg earned first team all-league honors during each of the past two seasons despite coming off of back surgery.
Fugleberg was once again named to the all-league first team and she was twice named one of TDN's top 10 softball players of the week while helping the Monarchs win the league, district, and state titles.
She had some big moments this season, including hitting a home run in the state championship game that pulled the Monarchs within 1 run and connecting on a double play in the state quarterfinals.
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"She turned it on even more this year," Mejia said. "She continued to show what she's made of and how determined she was to win. It's a storybook ending.
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