Rock Bridge softball standout’s ‘everyday counts’ mentality fuels success

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The old saying 'practice, makes perfect,' rings true for Rock Bridge softball standout Addie Morris. In fact, in her case, years and years of making every day of practice count has made her one of the best hitters in the state of Missouri.

Those around her knew her talent for quite some time. But now, her hard work is on display in state record books. In September, Morris lifted up her 49th career home run, which made her the state's career home run leader, passing up former Tolton star Madison Uptegrove.

“It was huge for me to felt like I achieved something for myself. I mean, we've had very good team success the past couple years and for me to break a personal record for myself, it felt really good," Morris said.

For those that know her, the feat came as no surprise. Morris' teammates, coaches and family have seen her work ethic on display for years. Whether it's before or after practice or even on her off days, the senior is always getting in extra work. In fact, she has her own key to the Rock Bridge softball field, so the two-way player can hit and pitch any time she pleases.

“It also goes into how much I want to do it and the effort that I want to be the best," she said.

If you know anything about the Morris family, Addie's success in sports should come as no surprise.

Addie's dad, Mike, was an offensive lineman at Mizzou and has gone on to coach high school football in Mid-Missouri. Her brother, Tre, played baseball at Mizzou from 2019-2023. Her mom, Heather, played softball at Centralia High School, and was even one of Addie's first coaches.

“Whether it was playing catch with my mom in the backyard or pitching to my dad or getting to hit with my brother and my dad, I mean, they've always been very supportive," Addie said.

Sports was and still is a family affair. It's also the outlet that helped Addie, Tre and Mike get through their toughest moments.

For the Morris family, life changed in 2015 when Heather was diagnosed with breast cancer.

"I was in third grade and it was the day during the week. My dad and my brother at football practice, just like normal. We got home and she says, it's my brother night on the couch and she told us that she was diagnosed with breast cancer," Addie said. "She was like, I'm going to be fine. Like we're going to all battle through this.” 

“Addie was littler, so it was more just making sure that she was okay," Tre said. "Just being right by Addie's side and whatever she needed, I was there.” 

Needless to say, giving up is not in the Morris DNA, especially not in Heather's.

“Mom would not having a good day and so and such and then it's like you're not going to miss practice just to come help me. Like you're not going to miss anything. I'll be at everything and that's just who she was," Tre said.

After fighting courageously for three and a half years, Heather Morris passed away in March of 2018.

“Her laugh. Her laugh," Addie said when asked about one of the best things she remembers about her mom. "Every time she laughed, everyone would know that it was funny.”

Tre remembered how much his mom would light up a room when she walked in the door.

"She would go the extra mile to help out anybody and was just an overall great human being," he said.

Her husband, Mike, said she was the glue, even during her own battle.

“She is just a person that holds everything together. She made me a better person," Mike said.

Through it all, one of Heather's biggest wishes for her family was that the sports would never stop. Addie continued on in her softball journey. Tre, of course, went on to have a successful baseball career. However, sports means a lot more to the Morris family than just wins and losses.

Through sports, Addie found achievement and understanding, but also freedom. Freedom to play the game that she and her mom both loved.

"Just to be here and realize that I have made her proud," Addie said.

Lisa Alvis, the head coach of the Rock Bridge softball team, has known the Morris family for years and has, undoubtedly, played a major role in Addie's journey both on and off the field. After Heather's funeral, Alvis had the feeling that she needed to help take care of both Addie and Tre.

"My father also passed away in high school," Alvis said. "I always go back to my why and why I coach. I coach because of the relationships, right? Relationships matter. [Addie and I] are going to have these softball conversations like she would with her mom and then also knowing that like if we need to talk about some other things, let's have that. And and we've had some tough conversations.”

Alvis was also there for Addie in another tough moment.

In June of 2023, Mike Morris was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma - cancer.

“You know, I went through, shoot, what, 13 chemo and 42 radiations,' Mike said.

Through it all, Addie and Tre were right by his side. And, once again, the sports never stopped.

“The grind of just going through the tough, tough stuff. Some people just don't see that. That's something that my kids know about very, very well," Mike said.

His kids have overcome quite a bit of adversity to get where they are now, but they both say it's all about tackling life with a positive mindset.

After graduating from Mizzou, Tre has been coaching football with his dad. He will also take the helm of the Tolton baseball program in the spring. Meanwhile, Addie will hope to become a district champion when Rock Bridge faces Grain Valley on Monday, Oct. 21. But, win or lose, she will still be taking her talents to the next level at Southern Arkansas University.

"I hope that she genuinely loves where she's at, who she's doing it with, and, just the people around her. That’s what I hope," Alvis said.

There's no doubt that Heather's spirit lives on with her children.

“Addie is literally like my mom to a tee with her facial expressions and everything, and just how strong Addie is as a woman. It's just awesome," Tre said.

Some words that Heather lived by will carry on, as well.

“Every day counts," Addie said. "You just got to make every day count because tomorrow is not granted.”

“We all have the same wristband on and it just every day just reminds us to keep going and keep working hard," Tre said.

“Every day counts because every day does count, Mike said. "I mean, it really does. I mean, if you look at it like that, it changes your world.”