This year, the Bartlesville Bruins are looking to bring home a softball state title for the first time since 1984, and the first ever in slow pitch.

Having made several trips to the state tournament over the last few years, the Bruins senior class and especially Maddie Czaja, are eager for one last chance to win it all.

“My goal for this season is to make it to state for the third time in slow pitch,” Czaja said. “My proudest accomplishment is qualifying for state in slow pitch and fast pitch throughout my high school career.”

Having been to the dance and leaving empty-handed so many times would embitter a less confident player and team.

“It’s a challenge, staying positive and motivated when things get hard,” Czaja said. “It’s a hard game, mentally, and you have to push yourself to overcome situations. My other teammates being able to relate is such a helpful thing that we all have in common, and we’re able to help each other to overcome it together.”

The hardest battles, Czaja says, aren’t the ones fought in Oklahoma City.

“Your hardest battles are facing yourself and realizing that the stronger you are mentally, the more successful you can become.”

As the Bruins round the corner into spring, their team consists of key returners, like Czaja, and a host of skilled freshmen whom she’s confident will contribute to success.

“I hope, after this season, to tell a story of how we played and worked to get to where we are now,” Czaja said. “It’s so important that I’ve gotten to be a part of such a welcoming community that’s uplifting and supportive. It would be incredibly important to our team, coaches, and community to win, because it’s been a very long time since that’s happened. I know all of our family, friends, and fans would be extremely proud.”