Coming home: Samford softball legend Megan Curry returns as coach

HOMEWOOD, Ala. (WBRC) - One of the most decorated Samford softball players of all time is in her first season as the program’s head coach. Megan Curry, known as Megan Dowdy during her playing days, helped lead the Bulldogs to their first and only NCAA Tournament appearance in 2016.

“I tell everybody all the time. It just feels like such a dream to be back,” Curry said.

While Curry wants to get the program back to that level, she says she also understands that things are different now than they were then.

“The game is sped up. Analytics are involved. Yes, that’s the expectation and the standard moving forward but we’re going to do it in a new way,” Curry said.

Curry played center field for the Bulldogs and still owns the program’s career doubles record with 48.

The current Samford players say her background helps her get her message across.

“She knows how to coach you mentally, emotionally and how to be that leader on the field because she was one,” said Samford senior pitcher Jordyn Partain.

Sports and faith have become the center of Megan’s life. She met her husband, Parker, while at Samford. And after spending six years with him while he played minor league baseball in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, they are both back in Birmingham as coaches.

Parker Curry is an assistant coach for UAB baseball.

“We almost didn’t date. Because we decided, how would this ever be possible?” Curry said. “If we both wanted to coach and both wanted to be in this... It kind of speaks to our faith.”

As of April 9th, Samford softball is leading the SoCon with an 8-1 record.

Get news alerts in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or subscribe to our email newsletter here.