By Zoey
Megan Grant etched her name into college softball history on Saturday, blasting her 38th home run of the season to break the Division I single-season record during the Big Ten Championship Game between UCLA Bruins softball and Nebraska Cornhuskers softball.
The historic moment came in the third inning when Grant connected on an 0-2 pitch from Nebraska pitcher Jordy Frahm and launched it deep over the left-center field wall for a solo shot that extended UCLA’s lead to 2-0. As the ball disappeared into the stands, Grant surpassed a record that had stood untouched for three decades.
The senior slugger had only tied the mark one day earlier, matching the legendary 37-home-run season set by Laura Espinoza of Arizona in 1995. Espinoza needed 72 games to reach the total, while Grant established the new record in just her 55th appearance of the season.
For Grant, the achievement represented far more than numbers on a stat sheet. It was the realization of a dream she carried with her when she first arrived at UCLA.
After the game, Grant described the moment as surreal and emotional, saying she felt grateful for the opportunity to follow the path created by the great players who came before her. She spoke about the honor of having her name permanently connected to one of the sport’s most prestigious records.
Despite the individual milestone, the day ended with disappointment for UCLA as Nebraska rallied for a commanding 7-2 victory to capture the Big Ten tournament championship.
Still, Grant made sure to preserve the most important souvenir from the afternoon. The record-setting home run ball remained tucked safely inside her backpack after the game, and she revealed she planned to give it to her grandmother, making the milestone even more personal.
Grant explained that when she stepped into the batter’s box facing an 0-2 count, her primary focus was simply putting the ball into play. Instead, she produced one of the defining swings in NCAA softball history.
She said the pitch arrived high in the strike zone and admitted she sensed the ball had enough distance once she heard the crowd erupt. True to habit, Grant initially lowered her head and sprinted toward first base before realizing the magnitude of the moment as she rounded the bag.
As she circled the bases, emotion poured out from both Grant and her teammates. The UCLA dugout exploded in celebration as players greeted her with cheers and embraces after she crossed home plate.
UCLA coach Kelly Inouye-Perez praised the timing and stage of the achievement, noting how special it was for Grant to break the record during a conference championship game under the national spotlight.
The chase for the home run crown had become one of the biggest storylines in college softball entering conference tournament week.
Grant entered the postseason trailing Kendall Wells of Oklahoma by one home run. Wells, however, was held homerless during Oklahoma’s SEC Tournament loss to Georgia, opening the door for Grant to surge ahead.
The UCLA star took full advantage.
Grant homered in all three of UCLA’s Big Ten Tournament games, displaying the same combination of power, consistency and plate discipline that has defined her remarkable season. Her ability to deliver in high-pressure moments has made her one of the most feared hitters in college softball and a central figure in UCLA’s championship ambitions.
Even with the record now in her possession, the race may not be over.
The Women’s College World Series still looms, and several elite sluggers remain within striking distance. Wells currently sits at 36 home runs, while Grant’s UCLA teammate Jordan Woolery has added 33 of her own during an explosive offensive season for the Bruins.
Grant’s historic achievement also highlights the continued evolution of power hitting in women’s college softball. Offensive numbers across the sport have surged in recent years, but surpassing a record that survived for 30 years underscores just how extraordinary her season has been.
Her consistency has become especially remarkable considering the intense attention she receives from opposing pitchers. Night after night, teams have attempted to avoid giving her anything hittable, yet Grant continued to punish mistakes with record-breaking efficiency.
The accomplishment further strengthens UCLA’s tradition as one of the most dominant programs in NCAA softball history. The Bruins have produced countless All-Americans, national champions and professional stars, and Grant now joins an elite group of players whose names are permanently woven into the fabric of the sport.
While Nebraska celebrated its conference championship Saturday evening, much of the softball world was still talking about the towering home run that rewrote the NCAA record book.
And with the postseason still unfolding, Megan Grant may not be finished adding to history just yet.
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