Varsity profile: Seven years later, Apopka softball freshman honors her late sister

Monica Faison died in 2003. Her sister, Megan, a freshman at Apopka, wears No. 5 to honor her. By Michael A. Balducci, Orlando Sentinel
In 2003, 7-year-old Megan Faison didn't understand what was happening.One October Friday, her sister, Monica, a 15-year-old freshman at Apopka, was in a Jeep that flipped over after the driver lost control. She died two days later."At first, I didn't really understand she was gone," said Megan, now a freshman at Apopka.But over the years, Megan has realized the extent of the loss and done her best to honor her late sister, who played softball for Apopka.

When Megan started playing varsity for Apopka this year, she decided to wear No. 5 Monica's old number.In fact, Megan's softball career on the whole was inspired by Monica. Before she died, Megan was a soccer player, wearing No. 8 just like her big sister. She later combined their shared number to No. 88 to honor Monica.A couple of years after the accident, Megan swapped out soccer for softball for good."She inspired me a lot," Megan said. "My sister played a huge role in [me playing], and I somewhat want to follow her footsteps."Megan pitches for the Blue Darters, like Monica did, but she wants to make it clear she's not just copying her sister's career. She's honoring her but wants to lead her own path, as well.Megan floats between junior varsity and the varsity. As one of two freshmen on the varsity squad, she said her first few appearances with the older girls were a little scary and nerve-racking.Her sister, she said, would be proud of her game."She loved playing the game and being on the team with everyone. She had great sportsmanship," Megan said. "She just wanted to have fun, no matter what."



MONICA FAISON , R I P 12-04-87 to 10-03-03