When you live in a small city like Woodland, you’re likely to see someone you know nearly anywhere you go, whether it be at the local Costco or In-N-Out Burger.
That’s with a population of just over 60,000 people. Now imagine what it would be like to live in a town with only 5% of those people. Maddie Burkhart certainly knows that feeling well. The Woodland High School senior first baseman was raised up north in Colusa County where she attended Pierce High School in Arbuckle for her underclassman years, in a city of about 3,000.
“I feel really proud of myself going into this year,” Burkhart said. “I didn’t know if I wanted to play at the college level. But going and seeing colleges, I knew that that was the right choice for me and the decision I wanted to make.”
While Burkhart has only lived in the City of Trees for a couple years, she cemented her legacy within the program this week as the next Wolf to continue her athletic career at the next level. Burkhart announced Monday via social media that she has committed to play softball at West Hills Coalinga College.
“They reached out to me, I went and viewed the college and it was a lot like my hometown,” Burkhart recalled. “I didn’t want to move originally. I wanted to pick somewhere that was more like home and felt more like home, so I picked that place. It’s not like I’m moving to LA or a big city.”
After taking a recent visit down south to Fresno County, Burkhart found her new home with the Falcons.
“It was really good for her because she was in a situation where she didn’t want to go too far, but she wanted to still go on to play at the next level,” explained Woodland coach Paul Vietti. “We’ve been talking to a bunch of different junior colleges here locally and then that opportunity just came up, she seemed to love it, she’s really excited about it and you could see it out here too. Her attitude is much more focused and everything, she really wants that. It’s makes a huge difference when somebody really wants to play at that next level because it shows, her maturity level has gone up.”
While Burkhart’s bat in the lineup has never been questioned, Vietti has been most impressed by her improvement with the glove.
“She struggled a lot at first base last year. There were a lot of times where I (made her designated player), we needed her bat in the lineup, but she wasn’t doing it defensively. She’s really improved and she’s at the point now where she can play at the college level. Defensively, she proved a ton and she kind of knew she had to put that effort in this year to play every day. Just to have her there in the middle of the lineup and at first base, you don’t have to think about it,” Vietti recalled. “I really love the way that she basically gets really focused. When she does that, she’s really good.”
Burkhart has also made an impact on her teammates that she’ll soon be leaving behind upon graduation in June.
“I’m honestly super proud of her. She’s following her dream so I’m really happy for her. Hopefully someday I’ll get offers and I can go the same route,” said junior shortstop Izzy Loesch. “She’s brought positivity, competitiveness and was a good addition to the team.”
The Wolves’ power hitter is now the fourth softball player from the City of Trees in the last six months to continue her career at the next level, alongside Pioneer senior second baseman Briana Parker and Woodland Christian juniors, catcher Teagan Hayes and SS Adison Huiskens.
“It’s saddening knowing that it’s over and I can’t play with these girls anymore,” Burkhart reflected. “But I’m really proud of the progress I made over the years. I’m ready to go on with my life and start this new chapter.”
