OSHAWA, Ont. - Durham College women's softball is adding another powerful bat and a positive presence to its roster with the signing of Natalie Merlin.
The Aurora, Ont. native arrives at Durham after years of competing at the provincial and national levels, including appearances at the Ontario Summer Games, Canada Summer Games and the Canada Cup. She's already proven she can rise in big moments, something the Lords expect will translate smoothly to the OCAA diamond.
For Merlin, wearing the green and gold has been a long time coming. "I chose Durham College because of an experience I had when I was around 15 years old," she said. "I remember attending a Durham Lords softball game and feeling completely shocked by the level of play. It was inspiring to see how competitive and skilled the players were."
That day left a mark. "From that day on, being a part of the Durham College softball team stayed in the back of my mind as a goal I wanted to achieve," she said. "I feel very grateful and excited to be part of such a strong and competitive program and am incredibly appreciative of the chance to play I have been given."
Merlin's résumé reflects both consistency and clutch performance. Over the past two years with Whitby U17, she posted a .450 batting average and a .420 on-base percentage. With Team Ontario last season, she finished at .350 and .400, respectively — all while facing some of the best pitching in the country.
"Natalie is an exciting addition to our program. She brings elite-level experience, outstanding defensive ability and game-changing speed that will make an immediate impact for Durham College softball," said Head Coach Jamie Baker. "She competes every time she steps on the field and every time she steps into the batter's box. She is a solid contact hitter who consistently puts pressure on opposing defences and embodies the competitive mindset we value in our program."
Her most memorable moment came in a national qualifier with Whitby in 2024. With the game tied in the bottom of the seventh, Merlin delivered a walk-off home run to right field. "As the pitch came in, I swung at the first pitch and made solid contact, sending the ball out to right field," she said. "In that moment, everything seemed to freeze and go silent. As I made my way around the bases, I saw the amazed and excited faces of all my teammates waiting at home plate. We all jumped and screamed in unison."
That swing didn't just win a game, it crystallized the kind of player she wants to be: composed under pressure and confident in the box.
Merlin's impact isn't limited to her bat or her glove, it's also felt in the dugout. "My teammates can expect me to bring a positive and energetic attitude both on and off the field," she said. "I am a very bubbly person who enjoys lifting others up and creating a supportive team environment. I always try to stay optimistic, even during challenging moments, and encourage those around me to do the same."
She describes herself as highly competitive, committed to improvement and someone who takes pride in helping teammates succeed. "I value teamwork and understand the importance of communication both on and off the field," she said. "I will always support my teammates and celebrate their successes."
Merlin, who will study Dental Assisting, says she's eager to embrace the balance of academics and athletics. On the field, she'll continue to develop as a versatile defender and a reliable bat in the lineup. Off it, she plans to bring the same positivity that's defined her career so far.
The Lords open their regular season campaign on Tuesday, September 8 at Conestoga College with a doubleheader against the Condors scheduled for 6/8 p.m.
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