It is with deep sadness we share the news of the passing of former Mohawk Mountaineers student-athlete Meagan Byers.

Meagan tragically passed on Dec. 6 as the result of a car accident. She was 22.

From 2017 to 2019, Meagan was a member of the Mountaineers women's softball program. She played both catcher and infield for the Mountaineers and was part of the 2017-18 OCAA bronze medal team.

"Meagan was a talented athlete and a team leader," said former Mountaineers women's softball coach Todd Bannister. "She cared deeply about her teammates and played the game exemplifying the characteristics of pride, perseverance and sportsmanship."

Meagan was in the process of obtaining her early childhood education diploma.

Along with being a former student-athlete with the Mountaineers, Meagan was a dedicated coach with Mount Forest Minor Hockey and Mount Forest Minor Baseball, and grew up playing baseball and hockey in Mount Forest, Durham and other areas.

Meagan was well-known in the OCAA softball community, and was known to have touched many lives with her laughter, smile and outgoing personality.

Our sincere condolences to Meagan's parents Mark and Joanne Byers, sister Ashley Byers and her partner Brock Doney, brother Justin Byers and wife Becca, the rest of the Byers family and Meagan's friends.

Todd Bannister, former Mountaineers women's softball coach (full quote)

"Meagan Byers was a member of the Mohawk women's softball team from 2017 to 2019. Meagan was a talented athlete and a team leader. She cared deeply about her teammates and played the game exemplifying the characteristics of pride, perseverance and sportsmanship. Meagan always displayed positivity, a radiant smile, infectious laughter and a never quit attitude. Meagan's teammates appreciated her ability to lift the spirits of the team when facing adversity. Meagan was consistently supporting her teammates when they needed a hug, a friendly smile or encouraging words. Meagan was an amazing friend to all and her teammates and coaches send their love to the Byers family during this unimaginably difficult time."

Alyssa van der Werf, former teammate

"Getting to play my two years of college ball with Meagan was a blessing. She always made it fun and bright even in the tough times. She was always a positive and a ball of sunshine on and off the field. A huge member of our Mountaineer family, and an amazing friend. She will be missed by so many people."

Brianne Forti, former teammate

"I am so honoured to have had the opportunity to play softball with Meagan before college, and during college. She always knew how to bring up the team spirit and how to make people smile. She has been taken from our earth too soon. Her beautiful and bright soul will live with us until we meet her again. Love you and miss you Meags."

Shanien O'Neil, former teammate

"Meagan was such an amazing teammate. She was such a bright light and her energy radiated. She never failed to make anyone laugh and she loved to sing her Disney songs on our way to away games. She was so positive and just so wonderful to be around. She cared so much about everyone and was the nicest friend. She was also such a great player. From first baseman and catcher to her powerful hitting, she was an all-around all-star at the game. If you ever needed anything she was always there for you. I am just so lucky to have had Meagan as a teammate and friend! She was just someone who you always wanted to be around. Love you Meag."

Emma Nordoff, former teammate

"I got the honour to play alongside Meag for the three years I was part of the Mohawk women's softball team. Meag was not only an amazing teammate, but an amazing friend. I will never forget all our bus rides to away games, singing along to various songs and driving the coaches crazy, sharing the right side of the infield, and always knowing Meag was there to cheer you on. Meag could instantly make anyone smile, and she was always so positive and uplifting. As a teammate and a friend, Meag always had your back. Whenever I'll look back at my memories of Mohawk ball, I will always think of Meag and the impact she had on myself and others. I'm so thankful I was able to call Meagan a friend. She will forever be loved and missed.

Stephanie Godden, former teammate

"Meagan Byers was one of the most amazing girls I've played with throughout my softball career. Not only was she a friend, she was also a teammate but most importantly she was family to me. Meagan left me with a life time of memories but I will never forget the pure joy that came from the bottom of her lungs when the women's softball team won the bronze medal at OCCA's in 2017."

"We gathered as a team on the field and couldn't contain our excitement. She hugged everyone so tight and her smile stretched ear to ear."

"At the end of the game, she called me over and told me that we are taking a picture. We took this picture at our most memorable game of the season to celebrate what we accomplished with the team. At the end of our Mohawk career with the women's softball team we took the exact same photo to mark the end of our seasons as teammates - but we would remain family."

"One thing that will always stay with me is whenever anyone was having a bad day Meagan was always the first one there supporting them and checking in on them. She was the type of person who would go out of her way for anyone and everyone - even if she just met you. Her personality could bring laughter from a gymnasium full of strangers. I am so proud to have had her as a friend and a part of my life. I miss you so much already and I hope you're hitting dingers up there Meaggers! We love you endlessly and will continue to make you proud."

Source: Mohawk Mountaineers