By Sophie Grabiec
Elm Staff Writer
Sophomore Maddie Bennett has not been shy about making a positive impact on the Washington College Softball team in her second season. The Ellicott City, native went 12-3 in 22 appearances while striking out 90 batters and holding a 2.25 ERA.
Along with an impressive athletic resume, Bennett is very active outside of softball. She is a double major in international studies and Hispanic studies, and is studying abroad in the Fall of 2017 in Ecuador.
She is the treasurer of the Spanish Club and will transition become the vice president starting next year. She also is a representative of the Spanish Club on the Service Council. She volunteers for el Dia de futbol and is a member of Student Events Board as well. Bennett has been able to find the right balance between school, sports, and her social life.
“Time management is a huge part of being a successful student athlete,” she said. “The biggest piece of advice is to remember that you have to budget time for academics, athletics, social, and ‘me’ time. Plus, eating and sleeping an appropriate amount to be healthy for yourself. Figuring out how much time to spend on each given aspect changes day to day for me.”
Bennett decided WC would be the place to continue her softball career largely because of the coaching staff. Her connection to Head Coach Lacey Lister stemmed from Lister’s position as pitcher.
“I thought that Coach Lister was an incredible pitcher herself and would be able to help me improve,” said Bennett.
As the 2016 Centennial Conference Pitcher of the Year and her 2016 All-Centennial Conference first team wins, it is safe to say that the softball team gained a valuable player in Bennett.
Bennett has a big presence on the field, but prioritzes working hard alongside the rest of her team.
“I am constantly reminded that a pitcher can only be as successful as the fielders backing her up or the hitters knocking in runs,” she said.
Coach Lister commends her for her humble but strong presence on the field. “Maddie is a very positive influence on and off the field and is a leader by example,” Lister said.
Bennett works towards proving to the rest of the team that everyone’s efforts are needed in order to achieve success. “I am a firm believe that anyone can be an effective leader, but it requires earning respect through a positive attitude and work ethic,” she said.
The leadership responsibilities that coincide with holding the position of pitcher does not faze Bennett. She knows that her performance affects the team, but she uses that pressure as motivation give her best effort. Leading by example and working hard every practice and game has allowed her to become a spotlight player on the team.