CHC senior Maddy Colin a bright star on softball diamond

By Don Lowe

Seeing her older sibling in action was enough inspiration for College Heights Christian School Lady Cougars senior softball star pitcher Maddy Colin to develop an interest in this sport at an early age.

“I first started playing because my sister played and I grew up watching her,” Colin says. “I loved the game from the beginning. The older I got, the more it grew on me.”

Having played for more than a decade, Colin has grown into a superb hurler and when considering her own athletic capabilities, she says, “Having started at a young age, I’ve been able to work and acquire different skills, such as spinning the ball and hitting my spots.

“To be a successful pitcher, you must be patient and work hard. Pitching takes a lot of mechanics and focus. You must trust your defense and work hard to hit your spots.”

Colin’s three main challenges with pitching are “staying composed throughout the entire game, hitting your own spots consistently and staying aggressive, even when you’re behind in the count.”

As College Heights Christian Softball Head Coach Mike Howard assesses Colin’s skillsets, he says, “She comes from an athletic family, so sports run deep in her roots. Also, the fact that she plays multiple sports helps make her a better overall athlete.

“She has a variety of pitches. That, combined with her ability to locate any pitch allows her to keep hitters off balance and guessing.”

Along with her talents on the hill, Colin is also terrific with a bat in her hand, and she says, “To be a successful hitter, you must step into the box with a gameplan.

“Be prepared. Know what the opposing pitcher likes to throw and adjust accordingly. Be ready and always looking for something to hit. Never look to walk. Be selective. Make their pitcher throw to you. She is on defense. Show her what you have.”

Providing his thoughts on Colin’s approach at the plate, Coach Howard says, “She concentrates and puts a good swing on every ball. She’s disciplined and doesn’t swing at any pitches outside the zone. She waits on her pitch and attacks it. She also has good hand-eye coordination.”

While Colin shines bright on the diamond, she knows it’s not all about her and says, “It’s so important not to play for yourself but for the team. Sometimes that means stepping up to the plate and laying down a bunt even though you really want to hit. You must be selfless, patient, encouraging and diligent.”

It’s easy for Coach Howard to see why Colin’s game is so polished and he says, “It all starts with her work ethic and love for the game. She’s driven to be successful at everything she does but especially softball. She comes to practice every day with a great attitude and gives it her all.

“What separates her from the norm is she puts in extra work outside practice. She takes pitching lessons on the side and pitches with her dad at home. Also, when our season is finished, she plays travel ball with some of the best players in the central U.S.

“Maddy is smart and has a great understanding of the game. This allows her to process things quickly, which you need at the next level.”

College Heights Christian School Lady Cougars Star

Maddy Colin Fast Facts

Age: 17

Grade in School: 12th

Parents: Adam and Mary Colin

Sibling: Emmy

Hometown: Joplin, Missouri

Favorite Subjects in School: Bible and Math

Favorite Food: Tacos

Favorite College Softball Players: Former Oklahoma Sooners star Grace Lyons, former Oklahoma Sooners star Jordy Bahl and former Florida State Seminoles star Josie Muffley

Favorite Sports Movie: The Blind Side and Remember the Titans

Accolades: Ozark 7 Conference

Player of the Year in 2023, while also receiving 1st Team All-District and All-Region, and 2nd Team All-State Recognition