Get to know Pomperaug senior softball captain Madison Grimes
SOUTHBURY, Conn. — Madison Grimes is a senior captain on the Pomperaug Regional High School varsity softball team. She specializes in two positions, 3rd base and catcher. Madison has enjoyed playing softball since she was seven years old and she acknowledge that it’s going to be tough to leave the playing field behind. Even more difficult will be the day she bids farewell to her teammates after eleven years of competition together as graduation is right around the corner.
Time Flies
Madison shared with us that one of the main struggles of being a student athlete is time management. At the beginning of her high school career she found it difficult to juggle her school work and commitment to the softball team. As she entered her sophomore year it became more challenging as she added a part-time job to her schedule, which made it even more daunting.
“During my sophomore season, I had to quit my job completely.” Madison explained. “I wasn’t able to meet the minimum hour requirement [at her job].” With the responsibilities of her academics coupled with softball practice and games, Madison was unable to keep her part-time job and was unable to earn any income. It wasn’t until her senior year that she was able to find a job with a manager who understand the time restrictions of student athlete and made working part-time possible once again. Madison finally found her groove and has been able to balance her studies, sports, employment and time with family and friends.
Teams Build Dreams
In order to play softball, you need a full roster of players. Everyone must work together in order to achieve success on the field. Madison shared her team is “kind of like family” to her, that “when you dedicate your time for a season, you tend to develop friendships and bonds that are truly amazing.”
“Having a team that is so close helps when you need to push each other to be the best players you can be, as well as being able to lift one another up when needed. I love being around my teammates because we never fail to laugh or make jokes. It is such a comfortable environment.”
New Beginnings
This year, PHS has a new head softball coach, Janaya Young. There has been a feeling of excitement for the players, everyone is super happy to experience new coaching.
“I think some people were also nervous about their spots,” Madison admitted. “But I couldn’t mean it more when I say that I wish I was able to have her as my coach for more than just my last season.”
Becoming head coach of a high school varsity softball team is difficult, but Coach Young makes it look easy. She has created a special bond with every player on both the JV and Varsity teams. Her style is uplifting and positive while teaching the girls to ensure they improve and achieve, individually and collectively.
“I think I speak for the whole team when I say she is the coach Pomperaug’s softball team
needed.”
Softball has played a major role in Madison’s life. She developed countless friendships along the way and has grown so much as a player.
“The years have gone by so fast, and as softball comes to an end for me, I hope to finish out with a strong season.”
Even though Madison won’t be continuing softball in college, the lessons she learned and the
friendships she made will remain forever.
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