WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Maddie Damon is proof that big things can come in small packages. Standing just 5-foot-4 didn't stop her from setting Minnesota's all-time strikeout record with 1,642 and earning the state's Miss Softball title in 2015. It also didn't keep the West Concord, Minnesota, native from striking out 52 batters in 63 innings as a rookie last season.
Sometimes you just have to work with what you have. Not only is Damon doing that in the circle, but she also has added a few new tricks to her arsenal.
"Maddie has branched out this season and will not only compete at pitcher, but also as an outfielder," head coach Boo De Oliveira said. "On the mound, she is very aggressive and loves to battle. In the outfield, she has good range and a strong arm. She will also bring some offensive pop to our lineup. Maddie has the grit that every team needs to compete in tough games."
Maddie relishes the feeling of striking someone out. She likes being in control and the pressure that comes with having the ball in your hand every play as a pitcher. Diving after a ball on defense or squaring up on a ball at the plate and scoring a run are also high on Maddie's list of great things in the game.
She is talkative, determined and passionate, and throw in competitive for good measure. (The sophomore challenges that she can out-eat anyone in cereal.)
Damon made good all 13 of her defensive chances, while seeing action in 18 games in the circle, starting nine. She also acted as a pinch hitter or pinch runner in 13 games, tallying three hits, driving in three RBI, scoring three runs and drawing a walk.
Off the field, Maddie dreams on being a physical therapist, would like to have dinner with Jesus and indulges in chocolate covered pretzels and her favorite food, cereal, from time to time.
Learn more about her below.
Fun Facts
Sweet or salty: salty
Chocolate or vanilla: chocolate
Dogs or cats: dogs
Cooking or eating:eating
Vacation: To the quiet country or to the big city: Big city
Coolest place I've ever been/most unique locale: Niagara Falls
Place I dream of visiting someday: Going on a cruise to anywhere
Person I look up to most & why: My mom. She has been there with me through everything and always supported me no matter what.
Best feeling in the field (defensively): diving after a ball
Best Feeling at the plate (offensively):squaring up on a ball and scoring a run
Best Feeling in the circle (pitching): Striking someone out
Favorite thing about my position: Being in control and the pressure that comes with having the ball in your hand every play.
Three words that describe me: Talkative, determined, passionate
One word to describe my game:Gritty
Team I am most excited to play in 2017: Northwestern
My most memorable sports moment: walk-off hit against Syracuse my freshman year
Celebrity crush: James Lafferty
Person I would like to have dinner with:Jesus
Best non-athletic talent:Dancing
My stupid human trick is: I can out-eat anyone in cereal
Dream job: Physical therapist
Song I have to listen to before a game: Do What I Want by Lil Uzi Vert
Favorite thing about playing at Boilermaker Softball Stadium: running out on the field and standing in the circle
My favorite place to play in the Big Ten, besides home: Ohio State
Place I am most excited to play in 2017: Hawaii
Person who has impacted my life/made me who I am:My mom
Favorite things Favorite sweet treat: chocolate covered pretzels
Favorite ice cream flavor:Oreo
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Favorite sports team: Minnesota Vikings
Favorite Athlete: Anthony Rizzo
Favorite TV Show:Friends
Favorite Movies: Dirty Dancing
Favorite Book: Second Chance
Favorite Musical Artist:Future
Favorite Type of Pizza: mushroom
Favorite Actor & Actress: Ian Somerhalder and Nina Dobrev
Favorite Food: cereal
Favorite place on campus: Mackey
Favorite city: Rochester
Favorite outdoor activity: swimming
Favorite animal/furry friend: Tiger
Favorite class at Purdue:EDPS
Favorite Purdue professor:Mr. Olson