For Oklahoma Bible Academy senior Maddox Mendenhall, softball is about more than finding her place on the field. It is about helping the people beside her find confidence, encouragement and a sense of belonging.
That perspective shapes how Mendenhall approaches varsity softball and her role among teammates who have become close friends.
“The biggest thing I love about my team is our closeness. Somewhere in between going to school together and playing softball together we all became each other’s best friends. It is so encouraging to know that these girls have my back on and off the field. Their love for each other challenges me to in turn be a better leader and encourager for them as well.”
Mendenhall has played softball since fourth grade. She plays second base in fastpitch and pitches in slow-pitch, balancing those responsibilities with basketball and serving as a football team manager. She also serves as student council chaplain and belongs to the National Honor Society.
Her appreciation for leadership includes former coach Kinsey Chambers, whose approach combined accountability with room for players to grow.
“I would say my biggest inspiration comes from my former coach Kinsey Chambers. I was so blessed to be coached by Kinsey this past fastpitch season, and she held us to a high level of accountability while also creating an environment where we were encouraged to succeed and be ourselves. She is a total boss, and she is someone I want to emulate as I get older.”
Former teammate Conley Cayot also helped shape Mendenhall’s outlook, demonstrating how hard work can come from love for teammates rather than personal recognition. Those lessons reflect the supportive presence Mendenhall strives to provide for her own teammates.
Mendenhall plans to attend the University of Oklahoma and pursue a master’s degree in athletic training. For now, her goals include giving her team more production at the plate.
“I would say that my biggest strength is my encouragement of others. I am working to improve my hitting and approach at the plate and would like to be more of an offensive presence this slow-pitch season.”
