Mount St. Mary’s Maddie Jones
By Trina Walker
Softball is a competitive sport involving strategy and athleticism. These qualities are what make it a beautiful sport, according to Maddie Jones, a sophomore at Mount Saint Mary High School.
Maddie has learned to keep her head on her shoulders in tough situations.
“Staying loose and not losing control of my emotions is key,” she says.
Her travel coach, Jon Brice, emphasized to her that “patience is a virtue.” This advice helps her stay on track.
“Sometimes I get ahead of myself and he reminds me to have patience in the process.”
Through softball, she has made friends from across the state and country.
“I like the friendships and memories made that come from being on a team and having fun. I hope I never forget these days,” she says.
Maddie is inspired by people who have the confidence to speak their mind without feeling embarrassed or worried about what others will think. Former teammate, Aubrey Miller, taught her about pitching and how to handle various situations.
“Aubrey passed her experience on to me, and I will never forget that she did that for me. I hope someday to be able to mentor a younger pitcher the same way,” Maddie said.
The biggest honor in her softball career is being named as an All-State player through PNTV. “I got a big belt, like a wrestling belt, definitely the coolest award I’ve ever received. It was such a surprise, and I was honored to receive it.”
In addition to softball, she is proud to represent her school in basketball and robotics.
“This year I am the co-captain on my robotics team, and I hope to make a big impact on the basketball floor for the school. I get to show other teams that Mount Saint Mary’s is a force to be reckoned with, whether it is softball, basketball or robotics. There is pride involved in representing your school and hopefully they are proud of the way I do that.”
Maddie intends to play softball at the collegiate level.
“I am hoping to find a school that provides the opportunity to play softball and get a great education,” said Jones.
Thanks to Coach Brice, she is flexible and patient as she decides exactly where she will go to carry out her dreams.
Maddie said the support provided by her parents is a big reason for her success on and off the field.
“Thank you, Mom and Dad, for always being there for me, always being willing to take me to camps and practice and always being there to support me. You don’t even know how much you guys mean to me.”
