By Elizabeth Contreras
VYPE: What grade are you in, when did you start playing softball, and what position do you play now?
Maddie Czaja: I am a senior this year at Bartlesville High School, and I started playing softball when I was 6. I play centerfield.
VYPE: Who has been a big influence in your life, on or off the field?
MC: My mom has always inspired me to work hard towards my dreams and goals and to never give up.
VYPE: What makes your school a great place to play softball and why?
MC: Our softball program is great because of all the opportunities it brings and all the new friends you make.
VYPE: How do you mentally prepare before stepping onto the field for a big game?
MC: Personally, I try to brush off any worries before stepping on the field, and we all pray as a team before every game.
VYPE: What do you love most about playing softball?
MC: What I love most is all of the girls. I’m so grateful for every opportunity to play on the field with all these amazing, supportive people.
VYPE: How has being part of your team shaped you as a person, on and off the field?
MC: Being part of this team has taught me leadership skills, the importance of communication, and many other aspects of learning new things every day.
VYPE: What’s one goal you’ve set for yourself this season?
MC: A goal I’ve set for myself this year is to be a leader to others and do the right things all the time.
VYPE: What’s a moment from your softball journey that you’ll never forget?
MC: I’ll never forget when we won our regional my junior year for fastpitch. It was one of the most exciting and memorable moments of my softball career.
VYPE: Softball is often called a game of failure because even great players don’t get a hit most of the time. How do you manage the mental side of the game when things don’t go your way?
MC: It can be super difficult to always keep a positive mindset, but that’s why it’s so important to have teammates that will pick you up. When I’m struggling, I remind myself there’s nothing I can do about the pitch before.
