The YDL Sports Network is highlighting returning high school student-athletes this summer. The year in school listed next to the athlete’s name is the year the athlete is entering this fall. Player profiles are powered by Pizza Hut
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Full List of 2023 Player Profiles
MADISON SIMMERMAN – SENIOR – CATHEDRAL PREP
Sports Played: Softball
Parents Names: Mandy and Halbert Simmerman
Siblings: Paige Simmerman: younger and she plays softball, volleyball, and track and field; Sophia Simmerman: younger and she plays softball and track and field; Owen Simmerman: older and he played baseball, volleyball, cross country, basketball and ran track.
Social Media Handles: Twitter: @MaddieSimmerman; Instagram: @Maddie42354
2022-23 Highlights: Lead my high school softball teams in batting average and home runs; Made the District All-Star team; Made the Region 5 All-Star team; nominated for the Northwestern PA Softball Player of the Year; Region 5 champions; District 10 Class 4A champions; Bob Ferrando Ford Athlete of the Week.
College Athletics plan if applicable: Yes, I plan on playing in college.
Q&A
Q: How did you get involved in playing sports?
A: I got involved with sports with the help from my dad. My dad got my older brother into baseball and after watching my brother every weekend at tournaments, I quickly fell in love with the sport. I eventually asked my dad if I could play softball and he was so excited to help me. With this, I started playing softball at a young age and honestly the rest was history.
Q: What is the most enjoyable thing you have ever had happen to you on an athletic field?
A: The most enjoyable thing that has happened to me on the softball field probably would be when my high school team was playing Franklin this year for the D10 title (Class 4A) and it was tied up until the fourth inning. Both teams kept battling it out and it wasn’t until our team’s batting started to come alive that we were able to take the lead and the D10 title!
Q: If you could go to any event (it doesn’t have to be a sporting event) in the world, what would it be and why?
A: It would be the softball College World Series. It would be this event because it is a dream of mine to not only go to this tournament, but to also play in it one day. Going to this tournament just to watch it is not only a learning experience but a memory that I would cherish for a lifetime!
Q: What teacher has had the most impact on you in school? Why?
A: A teacher that had the most impact on me in school would be my middle
school history teacher. He not only taught me historical content, but he also showed me how the real world works. He taught me that nothing is just handed out to someone and that everything with value must be earned. With this, he showed me that hard working people who never give up will achieve more in life.
Q: Do you have any superstitions in any of the sports you play?
A: I would say no. I do like routines and structure in anything that I do. However, I believe that God will give me the tools I need to succeed. Therefore, there is no need to have superstitions when you know that God will give you everything you need.
Q: You have one day where you can do anything your heart desires. Cost is not a factor. What would it be?
A: I would travel the world and provide services to the less fortunate. I would provide them with resources and tools that could help produce a better economy!
Q: If you could go back in time, where would you go and why?
A: I would go back to the times when I was struggling. I would go back to middle school or freshman year. Change is scary and for a young girl who is trying to find out who she is as a Christian, sister, and athlete it can be difficult. I would go back to reassure myself and tell myself that everything is going to work out okay!
Q: Is there anything you wish we would have asked you? If so, what is the question/answer?
A: No, I thought that the questions were great and I’m just so grateful to be a part of this opportunity. Thank you!
