Softball Spotlight: Madison TenHopen

Name: Madison TenHopen

Teams: Shelby AAA Impact and Shelby Little League U12

Position: Catcher

Throws: Right

Bats: Right

Favorite Baseball Player: Pudge Rodriguez

Favorite Baseball Team: Detroit Tigers

The Shelby Little Leaguer and eighth-grader is catching on to leadership. Being her teams' catcher is her favorite, and pretty much her only, position.

"I like the leadership of the position," said TenHopen. "I love being able to see the whole field and I'm kind of bossy. I like to telling people what to do. Let's just say I'm very vocal."

TenHopen describes herself as outgoing, athletic and smart and she loves the camaraderie and excitement of the game.

"Two years ago it was our first time in districts and we were 10-9 in the last inning with two outs," said TenHopen. "I had two strikes on me and Hailey Springer was on first base. I took a high and outside pitch and hit a very long fly ball to right center field and got a double and an RBI to win the game 11-10. That's my most memorable moment so far."

Once high school rolls around for TenHopen, she plans to try out and hopefully make the team.

"The word 'team' to me means being a part of something," said TenHopen. "If someone does something wrong, you all do something wrong because you weren't there to help her.  We are a loud team and it gets us fired up. That's one thing I love about my team. Also, we don't have any secrets, we're all open."

When not on the field, TenHopen likes riding roller coasters and hanging out with friends.