Mady Christensen tried several other sports and activities, including soccer and dance, before discovering that her passion was playing softball.
“My parents put me in other sports as a kid,” says Christensen. “Then one day, my dad decided to sign me and my sister up for softball. We started playing and fell in love with it from the beginning. It was a lot of fun. It was something different than everything we had played before.”
The Rosary Academy senior enjoys both the team aspect and the individuality of softball and how the support of her teammates allows her to grow in her mental game. While Christensen’s skills extend across the diamond as a utility player, the 18-year old plays first base for the Royals.
“I feel like it’s a lot of responsibility, being there and being responsible for the majority of the outs,” says Christensen about playing first base. “It’s a really fun position to play.”
As a veteran on a young Royals team this season, Christensen’s leadership skills have placed her in a co-captain role, where she’s had the chance to guide the growth of her younger teammates. Rosary’s softball head coach, Tom Tice, feels there is no better mentor for his players.
“Mady is the rock of our team,” says Tice. “She’s physically and mentally outstanding on defense, and she’s an amazing batter with runners on base. Her welcoming presence puts everyone at ease and allows the individuals to feel like true teammates.”
Christensen admits that the mental side of the game has challenged her as a player, but with that, she’s learned that working hard and being in the right mindset can make all the difference.
“Softball has taught me a lot of things about myself and about life,” says the three-year varsity player. “Learning how to work hard for what you’re doing in life; nothing comes easily. You can’t expect to do well if you don’t put in the effort.”
Away from the field, Christensen works with non-profit organizations such as Make-A-Wish and THINK Together to make a difference in the lives of youth in her community. The conclusion of her high school career at Rosary may be bittersweet for Christensen, but a new chapter is about to begin for the Cypress resident, as she has recently committed to Dominican University of California in San Rafael, where she will play softball and study psychology. She credits both her Catholic faith and the influence of her father as key roles in her development as an athlete.
“My biggest motivation for the game of softball would have to be my dad,” says Christensen. “He’s one of the most determined and hard-working people that I know. He really is the inspiration for how far I’ve been able to get in the game of softball.”