In My Own Words With Softball's Maddy Christopher

Maddy Christopher is the kind of softball player that you want to build a program around.

The kind of player that makes her teammates better simply by being around them. 

The kind of player that makes everyone in the dugout smile.

The kind of player that pushes herself and others to be the best version of themselves every day. 

And in her second season on the field for Morehead State, Christopher has been all of that and more for head coach Megan Griffith and the Eagles.

As the team's starting left fielder, Christopher has been a staple in the lineup and in the outfield for Morehead State and the Eagles look to continue to build their program around players like her.

"It's been a ton of fun to be a part of this team," said Christopher. "I love the chemistry and the camaraderie that we have as a group. We work hard, but we have a lot of fun, and I think we're building something special here."

Christopher was a part of something special back in her hometown of Marengo, Illinois, as well. 

Marengo is a small town where everyone knows everyone, and it's rare for new people to move there, so Christopher got to play with the kids she grew up with. 

"Playing softball for my high school gave me the opportunity to play with a bunch of people I had grown up with," said Christopher. "Because of this, our high school team was very close and had very good team chemistry. It also gave me the opportunity to play with my little sister my senior year, because she's three years younger than me. That was definitely also a cool experience from playing softball in Marengo."

While playing in her hometown, Christopher developed into a player that would go on to play Division I softball at Morehead State, and she had some advice for younger girls who hope to follow in her footsteps one day. 

"Just put in the work," said Christopher. "Work ethic will take you so far in sports. Having the drive to put in extra work, whether that's in the weight room, on the field, or running, putting in extra work will get you to where you need to be. Always challenge yourself and work to be the best player on the field. Don't ever get content. Always want more, because you can always continue to better yourself." 

A slaphitter in the lineup for Morehead State, Christopher has been making an impact from the left side of the plate since she was 11 years old. 

One of her coaches noticed her speed and set her up with slaphitting lessons from two girls that were playing Division I softball for Northern Illinois at the time, and Christopher has been slapping ever since. 

"Slapping is so beneficial because it can put a lot of pressure on a defense and can be successful in so many different ways. Putting pressure on defense can create chaos and that can lead to a momentum swing in our team's favor. Also, a lot of slapping is about ball placement and being able to place the ball in different places can be effective for both getting on base and moving other runners."

Christopher continued. 

"Slapping often allows a team the opportunity to get a quick runner on first, often which is the easiest runner to get around the bases because of their speed. Having effective slappers in a lineup can definitely contribute a lot to a team's success."

Christopher's slaphitting has been a big part of Morehead State's success this season. 

But before she gets in the box, Christopher is jamming out to some country music with her walkup songs.

She loves country music because it always puts her in a good mood and reminds her of home. 

"Growing up out in the country, the genre of country music just feels like a slice of home," said Christopher. "I feel like when my teammates think of a song that would fit me, they think of a country song."

One of her current walkup songs is 'Chattahoochee' by Alan Jackson.

"I love the song Chattahoochee and I think it's such a fun song. It puts me in a good mood, and it's a song most people know and love," said Christopher.

In addition to being a phenomenal softball player, Christopher is an even better person, and she has an incredibly strong faith in God.

"I am so invested in God's plan for me and how I never have to stress about anything because I already know he has a plan for my life. I pray on the foul line before every game and just clearing my head through prayer is a massive part of who I am as a player."

While Christopher is still in the early stages of her career at Morehead State, she will no doubt continue to make an impact on and off the field for the Eagles.

She's the kind of player and person that every team needs, and the Eagles are lucky to have her.