Meet The Griz: Montana’s Own Anna Cockhill Already Setting Records, Helping To Rebuild Grizzly Softball

The 4th installment of the Meet the Griz series moves to the softball field. We chatted with Anna Cockhill, who just wrapped up her first season with the Griz a few weeks ago. 

What a freshman season for Helena native Anna Cockhill.

In just one season, 48 games, Cockhill made an immediate impact with the Grizzly Softball program. Cockhill set the program record for most stolen bases in a single season (27).

Griz Softball Head Coach Stef Ewing recognized Cockhill's potential quickly.

"It was, for me, the first weekend (of the season)," began Ewing. "Just being able to see her in live games, playing Wichita State, Colgate, Northern Illinois...  well, if she can steal bases off these teams, she can steal off of anybody."

"That's a big green light for a freshman, but she definitely has the tools."

Indeed, it is.

But if there was a Freshman who could take the pressure, it was Anna.

"Not really when I got in season," Cockhill said, on if anything surprised her about college softball.

I don't want to say Montana is lucky to have kept her, but there's an alternative timeline where Cockhill doesn't attend UM.

READ MORE: Meet the Griz - Veteran Offensive Line Coach Cameron Norcross And Why He Disliked Coach Hauck (Playfully, of course)

Not because she didn't want to, but because she committed to UM when former head coach Melanie Meuchel was still at the helm.

"I kinda knew, or figured, there might have been a coaching change," began Cockhill. "But I was willing to take a risk on that just because I wanted to stay close to home, and I like Montana."

Cockhill acknowledged it was a tough season for the Grizzly Softball program. Going just 8-42 seems bleak, but Cockhill can see Coach Ewing's future.

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"She's a very positive person. She really wants to see this program grow and eventually win the Big Sky, is the goal. I think this year was a development year for sure. She's great to learn from, and I'm excited to learn from her," Cockhill said on Ewing.

We also dove into Anna's family history with the University of Montana. Both dad and mom went to UM. Listen to the full conversation below. 

Rapid fire with Anna Cockhill

Q: What moment stands out from your freshman season
A: *a long pause* Just the traveling and going out to eat with my teammates

Q: Go-to restaurant in Missoula?
A: I really like the Iron Horse, I like Ciao Mambo

Q: Who's the softball player you idolized or modeled your game after?
A: Sis Bates (Washington Huskies SS from 2017-2021)