The Red Life with Meghan Mullin

By Keith Zimmer
Associate A.D. External Operations
University of Nebraska

 

Family has always been a central focus in Husker softball player Meghan Mullin's life, and that had more than a little to do with the junior from Mesa, Ariz., joining the Nebraska family a few years ago.

 

Mullin's parents were born and raised in Omaha, and she said the close family she still has in Nebraska played a major role in her decision to come to Lincoln and join the family atmosphere that Coach Rhonda Revelle has created in the Husker softball program. 

 

The family atmosphere at Nebraska softball only made sense to the out-going, red-haired outfielder. Afterall, Mullin's first softball memory came from playing catch with her Dad and two older sisters back when she was just five years old. Her father, Jerry, has played a major role in her softball life ever since. 

 

She continued to be extremely active in athletics, and eventually softball emerged as Mullin's sport of choice while playing on various select teams as a youngster. 

 

“As a kid, I just loved being outside playing softball, basketball, riding bikes, and swimming,” Mullin said. “I really enjoyed meeting new teammates and their families.  Softball has always been very enjoyable to me because it was never forced on me.”

 

Mullin's love for softball and Nebraska has certainly grown out of deep commitment by her family to support her interests in softball. At SetonCatholicHigh School in Chandler, Ariz., Mullin excelled under the tutelage of her father and coach, Jerry, who is also the long-time high school guidance counselor. 

 

“I absolutely loved having my Dad as my coach," Mullin said.  "He treated me like any other player and didn't bring home issues from the field.” 

 

As a high school senior, Mullin emerged as a Division I softball prospect, and she was fortunate to have a father who was also a coach and a guidance couselor who was well-suited to understand the nuances and details of making the transition from high school to college athletics. 

 

Mullin said she was also fortunate that Coach Revelle was aggressive on the recruiting trail, not only in recruiting top athletes, but high school students who were also focused on succeeding in academics and in life.

 

“I love the fact that Coach Revelle and her staff are committed to developing us as complete individuals," Mullin said. "Coach has helped me understand there is lots of carryover from the field to all other areas of your life.” 

 

Mullin also noted that Nebraska's family atmosphere, team chemistry, the coaching staff and the overall support system in place at NU were major factors in her decision to play for the Huskers.

 

Known for her work-ethic, competitiveness, leadership and positive attitude, Mullin has emerged as a team leader for the Huskers entering her junior year.  A two-year Student-Athlete Advisory Committee member, Mullin eagerly accepts the role-model challenge, and understands that Nebraska student-athletes are put on a pedestal, much like the professional stars she looks up to - Peyton Manning and Derek Jeter. 

 

“These guys are just good genuine people who work hard and keep getting better and better with each passing year,” Mullin said. “When I speak to youth, I tell them to work hard, stay focused and be true to them.”  

 

When not locked in on maximizing her abilities as a student and athlete, Mullin enjoys relaxing with her friends and watch movies. 

 

“I found movies very relaxing and enjoyable as they take you away from stress," Mullin said. "I love comedies and dramas. Will Ferrell is my favorite actor.” 

 

Unfortunately for Will Ferrell, he didn't get to meet Mullin during Nebraska's football game with USC in Lincoln in September What Ferrell and countless others find out when spending time in the Cornhusker State is that Nebraska is a very special place.  

 

"The fans are amazing and so passionate about all of our student-athletes," Mullin said. "So many people truly care about us as students, athletes and individuals that you can't help but succeed.  If you work hard at Nebraska, you will become the very best.”

 

Mullin is well-prepared for future success. She is currently majoring in history with a 3.56 cumulative grade-point average. Because of her strong family beliefs, it should come as no surprise that Mullin has plans to return home to Arizona to teach history and assist her father in coaching her old high school softball team. 

 

Her time at her new home away from home in Nebraska has also given her the background to look beyond the familiar and consider different options farther away from home in her long-term future. 

 

“Eventually, I want to teach in underprivileged schools, possibly on the East Coast and maybe overseas.”

 

Wherever Mullin chooses to play, teach or coach, success appears to be in the future of the little red-haired girl who started out playing catch with her Dad.