To be the best, you have to learn from the best, and a pair of Wolverines have done just that this summer working alongside some of the best softball players in the world.

Megan Sterzer and Ella Miller had the opportunity to work with the Utah Talons this summer as they played their first season at Dumke Family Softball Stadium in Salt Lake City. The duo were part of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League's softball operations crew, helping prepare the field and assisting with pregame drills while also having the opportunity to interact with the players and learn what it takes to play softball at the highest level. 

"It was an awesome experience," said Miller. "We were able to meet and interact with the players, we set up the field, and honestly just helped them anywhere they needed. I learned the typical life and routine of a pro athlete as well as the work ethic it takes to get themselves to the highest level."

The Talons have taken the AUSL by storm, winning the inaugural championship in 2025 and currently lead the league with a 13-5 record with seven games left to play. Utah boasts the best pitching staff in the AUSL with a league-best 2.48 staff ERA, and have been led offensively by former National Player of the Year Bri Ellis and UW and UCLA alum Jadelyn Allchin. 

"All the girls are super down to earth and easy to talk to. Just watching them practice and play showed me how important mental toughness is," said Sterzer. "I saw how they bounced back after not performing how they wanted and go on to get the next play. It was a great experience and fun to get to know everyone involved."

The Talons recently finished up their home season, and have road series at Oklahoma City Spark, Portland Cascade, and Chicago Bandits left on the docket. Utah will look to defend its crown in the AUSL Championship Series, which runs from July 25-27 in College Station, Texas.