Athlete Spotlight: Madison McCallister #41

SPORTS: Softball

Tell us your story. What life experiences have impacted your journey? What motivates you? What is your “why"?

My "why," is that I want to prove you can do whatever you put your mind to, no matter the circumstances. I come from a small town, and have been told for years that I don't need to work as hard as I do and that I don't need to record everything. When some girls are told that they become complacent with being good, and don't try to be great. They're putting limits onto themselves that didn't need to exist. I also had shoulder surgery my freshman year of high school. Setting me back almost 2 years. So I play, and compete to inspire the younger generation that they don't have to settle for those limits. And that as long as they work for it, they can do whatever they want in life.

What role does your faith play in your life and in your sports career?

My faith plays a huge role in my life and sports career. Anytime I am struggling, worried, or scared, I just turn it all over to God. There is nothing too much for God.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse? If so, which one and why?

My favorite Bible verse is John 11:35 "Jesus wept." (KJV). This is my favorite because it tells me it's okay to have feelings and express them. Sometimes when I am upset I just bottle up my emotions and eventually that bottle explodes. So in times where I feel distressed I tell myself, "Jesus wept," and continue on with my life.

What accomplishment are you most proud of personally and athletically (name one of each)?

Personally, I am most proud of being accepted in to the National Honor Society. Athletically, I am most proud of making a full recovery from my shoulder surgery.

What do you feel sets you apart from your competition and what skills do you currently possess that are your biggest assets?

I believe what sets me apart is my communication with my team and my drive during games. Communication is a huge part of any sport, but I feel like it particularly is with baseball/softball. Even more for pitchers and catchers. I pride myself on my ability to know my pitchers, and how to help them get through a tough inning. My drive in a game is different than most, personally I hate losing more than I love winning and will do anything and everything in my power to ensure my team and I are the winners at the end of the 7th inning.

What skills are you most focused on improving?

I am most focused on improving my transfer in my throw downs as well as my overhand velocity. By doing both of these things, working together in my throw down will shave off a couple vital tenths of a second in getting girls out.

Tell us what a typical day or week is like for you:

A typical week always starts with me going to school. My high school team has us on a packed schedule so we typically have a game every single day after school. If we do not have a game I will use that day as a rehab day on my arm, and make sure to take care of my body. On Saturdays I usually have either a hitting lesson or go to the field with my parents to work on my fielding. On Sundays I leave that day to worship the Lord and make sure to praise him in everything I do.

What are your plans for the future and what is your number one objective for the next year / season?

In the future I plan to play softball in college. For a while I wanted to become a psychiatrist after college, but after experiencing a cadaver lab at Marshall University, I have taken an interest in the body and I am unsure of if I want to stay on that path or change to something in medicine.

What is the biggest challenge you see in achieving your upcoming goal or where could you use help?

I don't see any challenges as long as leave it all up to God. Everything I experience is the perfect path God has set for me and I will let myself learn from everything rather than see them as a challenge.

What words of advice do you have for younger athletes that are up and coming?

If I had one thing to say to the younger generation it would be to not let other people limit what YOU can do, in YOUR life.

Who was your favorite player growing up or who's style of play do you most admire?

Jarren Duran is my favorite player to the date. I used to struggle horribly with my mental health, and hearing him speak out about it to raise awareness is what sparked my liking to him.

What one question would you have for your favorite athlete if they were sitting here now?

How can teammates lift each other up most effectively? What lifted you up the most?

Is there anything else you would like to share with the community?

Just repeating myself, don't let small minded people limit you.