The CT Softball Blog

Wesleyan University junior second baseman Molly Lennon takes her softball seriously. She always has, since starting to play the game at the age of six, from joining the CT Titans at age 10 and rising up through their ranks, to playing for the nationally renowned Stratford Brakettes last summer, the game has given Lennon a place to escape, to learn, to build confidence and thrive. From the Kent School to Wesleyan University, Lennon has put in the work and now she’s the lead-off hitter for a 12-2 Cardinals program, hitting .422 on the season with three doubles, a triple, a home run and a team-leading 14 RBIs. On Tuesday, Lennon went Extra Innings with The CT Softball Blog.

FIRST INNING: What is your journey as a softball player? How did you start and how did it become your number one sport that you wanted to play in college?

MOLLY LENNON: I have been playing softball since I was 6 years old, and I began travel softball when I was 10. Softball became a sort of therapy for me, as I use hitting as a way to escape when life gets hard. Even though I loved soccer and basketball, there was no feeling quite like hitting a softball or making a diving play in the infield. 

SECOND INNING: Wesleyan is off to a 12-2 start this season. Did you guys expect to come out of the gate winning your first 10 games and what has made this start possible for the team?

ML: Going into this season, we knew that we had the pieces to do some damage this year, with the combination of returning players as well as graduate transfers and incoming freshmen. The exceptional start we were able to accomplish is attributed to the team’s ability to take everything one day at a time. Despite knowing that we have the talent, we treat every practice and every game like we have something to prove, which helps us succeed. 

THIRD INNING: As a lead-off hitter, how would you describe your approach as you step into the batter’s box?

ML: As a lead off hitter, my goal is to be as productive as possible for my team. My mindset is to do anything possible to get on base for my team and set the tone of the game. If that does not happen, my goal is to see as many pitches as possible so I can give my teammates helpful information on what the pitcher is throwing so they can succeed. 

FOURTH INNING: What has it been like to play for Jen Lane, who is now in her 23rd year with the program?

ML: Coach Lane has such a unique way of motivating her team while keeping a positive atmosphere. She is constantly pushing me to be the best version of myself, both on and off the field. Her experience speaks for itself, as her knowledge of the game helps us get better every single day. 

FIFTH INNING: What is the one softball moment you will never forget?

ML: One softball moment I’ll never forget is this past summer while playing for the Stratford Brakettes, my team went into the bottom of the 7th down one run. It was late at night and I went up to bat with a runner on first, and the first pitch I hit a home run to walk it off. I didn’t even realize it was the winning hit until I was rounding first and my first base coach was going wild. 

SIXTH INNING: What do you like about being a second baseman?

ML: I like how at second base, you are able to show off range and arm strength. Most people think of second base as the easier infield position because it has a shorter throw to first, but in reality, it requires a level of athleticism where you need quick feet and the ability to throw a runner out at third or home from the outfield. 

SEVENTH INNING: What is your go-to pre-game hype music that you like to listen to? And why that song/songs?

ML: I am partial to 80’s rock, or what I call “Dad music”. One of my favorite songs is “Walk This Way” by Aerosmith, because it reminds me of my Uncle Chuck. 

EIGHTH INNING: As a softball player, do you have any superstitions?

ML: I write little messages/sayings for myself inside my batting gloves for my goals for the season. I have to put my left batting glove on first, then the right, before going up to bat. 

NINTH INNING: What is one thing none of your teammates know about you?

 ML: When I was younger, I attempted to learn the bagpipes from my dad, but that didn’t last long!

TENTH INNING: You attended Kent School. How did Kent help you get ready to being a Wesleyan student-athlete?

ML: Kent is such a wonderful community that I am so thankful to have been a part of. My days at Kent did wonders for my future here at Wesleyan, because Kent taught me how to balance my academics with my athletics and extracurriculars. Additionally, the people at Kent helped me become an empathetic person who can lead by example and work hard while doing it. 

ELEVENTH INNING: If you could have one do-over in your life, what would it be?

ML: I wouldn’t change anything. My softball journey and more importantly my academic journey have been amazing. 

TWELFTH INNING: What is the one television show you can’t miss, and why?

ML: I don’t typically watch a lot of TV, but one of my comfort shows is either Friends or The Big Bang Theory. 

THIRTEENTH INNING: If you could switch places with one of your teammates for one day, who would it be and why?

ML: I would switch places with my middle infield duo, Waverly Smart. Waverly has such a fun personality where she’s able to brighten up the room whenever she walks into it. She also goes through life so freely, and is always there to work hard and get better. 

FOURTEENTH INNING: Where is Molly Lennon in 10 years?

ML: I hope that in whatever career path my life takes me on, that I am helping others. Whether it is sharing my knowledge that I’ve learned through sports and academics, or working in the medical field, I hope that in 10 years I am sharing knowledge with others and making my community a better place. 

FIFTEENTH INNING: What one word best describes Molly Lennon?

ML: Dedicated

Love Stories Like This?

Get Connecticut’s best softball features, breaking news, recruiting updates and exclusive interviews delivered to your inbox every Friday morning. Subscribe to the CT Softball Blog Weekly.