UCLA Dual-Sport Athlete’s Role With Women’s Basketball Changes

On the softball field, Grant is coming off her second All-American season. She batted .376 with 26 home runs and 81 runs batted in while leading the Bruins back to the Women's College World Series.

Even though she won't be on the road the rest of the way, Grant has been able to accomplish a childhood dream. She even called it a "childhood dream" when UCLA announced her addition to the women's basketball roster.

"Being a Bruin is something that I take tremendous pride in," Grant said in a press release. "Words can't express how grateful I am to now be able to represent both UCLA softball and UCLA women's basketball – two elite and legendary programs. Basketball was my first love and has always brought out a childlike spirit in me, so putting on this jersey and being a small piece in this historically great program is a dream come true. I can't thank Coach I and Coach Cori enough for allowing me to live out Little Meg's dream."

Grant was a multi-sport star at Aragon High School in San Mateo, Calif., where she lettered in softball for four years and women’s basketball and volleyball both for three. She finished ranked No. 3 overall athlete across all sports in SportsStars’ Bay Area Top 75 Athlete yearly rankings.

“The opportunity to have someone’s dream come true under your supervision is just special,” UCLA women’s basketball coach Cori Close said in a written statement before the season. “When I heard that Megan’s dream was to play on the basketball team and was to be a part of this, that her love of basketball had never waned, how could I say no? That was just a privilege to say yes, let’s add her.”

The UCLA women's basketball team heads to Nebraska on Sunday for a top-25 matchup with the Cornhuskers and the softball team will open its season on Feb. 6 against UC Santa Barbara.