Athlete of the Week: Katie Maggard

Back from her year off after an ankle injury, Katie Maggard has come off the sidelines in a pitching fury. Over quarter break on the team’s Arizona trip, she recorded a 2–1 record, two of them being complete games. She only allowed an average of 2.10 earned runs and shutout one team in her four starts. Most notably she only allowed two earned runs in her most recent 19 innings. These noteworthy accomplishments earned her Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Week honors. Katie took some time off the diamond to talk to the Rose Thorn.

Rose Thorn: How long have you been playing softball?

Katie Maggard: I’ve been playing softball for 14 years and have been pitching for 12 of those years. I unfortunately was unable to play last season here at Rose due to an injury.

RT: What is your most memorable game?

KM: In high school, I pitched a perfect game. It is my only perfect game to date. I remember that my second baseman bobbled a grounder on the last play of the game but recovered quick enough (and with help of a great stretch by the first baseman) still made the out! It was very scary to have the perfect game almost lost at the very end, but we pulled it off!

RT: What’s the most meaningful award/recognition that you’ve received?

KM: There are three of these. In high school, I was recognized as All-State and Academic All-State for the state of Indiana in my senior year. After sophomore year here at Rose, I earned an ESPN The Magazine 2nd team Academic All-District honor.

RT: How has participating in a varsity sport had an effect on your experience at Rose?

KM: Participating in a varsity sport has helped me with time management and leadership skills that are not only important when playing on a team but also important for later on in life in my career. Being a part of softball here at Rose has also allowed me to make long-term friends and has given me great memories to keep forever.

RT: Do you have any plans on staying involved in softball after Rose?

KM: I plan on playing in a slow-pitch league at my future place of employment. Also, I may give pitching lessons to youth girls in the future.

RT: How do you think the team will do this year?

KM: I believe Rose softball will do really well this year. We all get along well on and off the field which leads to great teamwork. The combination of teamwork and the skills that we all bring should result in much success for the season.