ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Maddie Magdaleno
EL CENTRO — An appearance in both the 2018 Southern California State Championship and the Division-C Regional tournament concluded a phenomenal season for the Imperial Valley Girls’ Softball League 10-and-under AllStar team.
The team was able to finish 2-2 in the state championship July 1 for ninth place out of 41 teams, and 4-1 at regionals July 15 for third place out of 21 teams.
A solid performance on the mound by Madeleine Magdaleno in both tournaments helped her team secure a top 10 placement in their final two tourneys of the season.
Between the two tournaments, Magdaleno, 9, pitched for five wins, two losses and one save.
“When I was pitching, I would tell myself, ‘If it goes too high, then keep it together,’ and my coaches would help me, too, and tell me what to do,” Magdaleno said on her performance. “I just told myself, I could do it and that I have to help the team out by throwing strikes.”
In total, the right-hander pitched 39 innings, with 33 strikeouts, four walks and an ERA of 0.16.
Magdaleno also helped her team on defense, as she played first base for one game during the state tournament and for two innings during the regional tournament.
“I felt good because not only on defense I kind of helped out, I also helped out on offense, too,” she said.
Magdaleno has been a pitcher throughout her three years of playing with IVGSL.
“I feel good about being on mound,” she said. “And I like that after a game when we practice and I throw, my elbow isn’t hurting.”
The 10-U All Stars played in 36 tournament games this season and finished with an overall record of 26-10.
“All our teammates would work good,” Magdaleno said. “We would have fun moments together, and that’s what helped us. I feel that it’s a really good record for it being this season. Hopefully next season we’ll do all wins.” My favorites Pro athlete Jennie Finch Pro team USA Red Class English
TV show “Andi Mack” Actor Paul Walker Song “Better Now” Musician “Cardi B” What do you enjoy most about your sport? “Being on the field and being around my teammates.” What is one of your more memorable moments in your sport? “Catching line drives.” Who inspires you and why? “My coaches Monica and Richard inspire me to get better because, not only do they help me out, but they believe in me.” What are your goals for the rest of this season? “Even though the season is over, I plan on improving so that next All-Star season I’ll be better than ever.”