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Megan Grant's Dual-Sport Journey: UCLA Softball Star Joins Basketball Team

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UCLA senior Megan Grant has embarked on an unprecedented dual-sport career, joining the women's basketball team while maintaining her status as one of college softball's premier players. The 5-foot-10 utility player, who holds a career .727 slugging percentage and set the Big Ten single-season home run record with 26 in 2025, will balance both sports through careful coordination between coaches Cori Close and Kelly Inouye-Perez.

Grant's basketball journey began with a casual conversation with teammate Lauren Betts and evolved into a full-fledged plan after UCLA's softball coach approached women's basketball coach Close about the possibility. The arrangement required Grant to commit to basketball training full-time during summer 2025 before shifting focus back to softball for her crucial senior season. Both coaches believe the cross-training will benefit Grant's speed and conditioning while bringing positive energy to the basketball program.

The decision represents the culmination of Grant's lifelong passion for basketball, which she played through high school before focusing on softball at UCLA. With professional aspirations and Olympic dreams for 2028, this senior season carries significant weight for Grant's future. Her journey from being the only girl on youth baseball teams to becoming a two-sport collegiate athlete exemplifies her determination to pursue every athletic opportunity available.