Alumni Spotlight – Danielle Merli Moradi
(maiden name is Merli, married name is Moradi)
Danielle Merli Moradi played for the Lindenwood Lions from 2006-2010. During her time as a Lion her team was named Co-HAAC champions in 2010. Her team also was named NFCA Top 10 All-Academic Team. Danielle was awarded Lindenwood Athlete of the Week multiple times throughout her career and also received a HAAC Gold Glove. Hear what she has to say about her time in St. Charles.
Why did you choose Lindenwood?
Honestly, the campus was absolutely beautiful and the Lou Brock Complex was one of the coolest fields I would have loved playing on. Lindenwood was far enough away from home but close enough to visit when needed.
What is your fondest athletic memory at Lindenwood?
There are so many to choose from, but my fondest memory was during my senior year and we had a pretty intense schedule. We couldn't really do anything besides practice and play games. One of our double headers was called the night before due to rain so half ot he team went out and the other half of the team went home to visit with family. The next morning, the ones who stayed went to go to Allin's diner and noticed Mid America's bus. The softball team still showed up and said we were going to have to forfeit if we didn't play. So we had to hurry and try to rally who all stayed and who could come back to play. We only had 11 girls that day, both games went into extra innings, and we ended up winning both games. See the news story about it here: https://lindenwoodlions.com/news/2010/6/28/SB_0625100801.aspx.
What is the most valuable thing you gained or learned from your time at Lindenwood?
The friendships. I'm still close with the most of the girls from the team. We still hang out like before even though we don't see each other for months at a time.
What advice would you give current members of the softball team?
Enjoy the ride! Right now you are in the "good old" days when you are looking back.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
Collin Biri was my favorite professor. I learned so much from her, and I continue to bring her teachings when I'm at work. Also, she was so compassionate and understanding when I was going through some difficult family experiences at the time.
Where do you live now?
I live in my hometown of Bethalto, IL which is roughly 45 minutes from Lindenwood.
What is your occupation? What was your career path look like? How did you end up there?
I am a school counselor in the Orchard Farm School District. I received both my Bachelor's and Master's at Lindenwood. While I was doing my practicum, I was placed at one of the Orchard Farm elementary schools and it so happened that one of the counselors were retiring. Since they knew me and my work ethic, they were comfortable enough to hire me. I have worked there ever since and have become a lifer.
Anything else you'd like to tell us about yourself that you feel is fun/important?
I continued to grow professionally and obtained a specialist degree in Educational Leadership at Arkansas State University in 2020. Outside of school, my husband, Daniel, and I are proud parents of Mila and Louie. We have two dogs named Douglas and Dorothy. We love hanging out with family and friends, fishing, playing a variety of sports, biking around town, binging a good TV show, and spending as much time outside as possible!
