RANKINGS
EVENTS
I COMMITTED
COLLEGE
ABOUT
I’m often asked what I like best about my job.
My answer is always the same: I love being able to tell the stories of these great softball athletes and follow them as they mature from young girls to strong, confident young women and, ultimately, successful adults.
This is one of those stories that warms my heart as I got to know Madison (“Mayday”) Knight several years ago at the Faster2First camp series and have been a fan of hers ever since so I was very happy to receive the following text on Friday:
“Mr. Eads, this is Madison “Mayday” Knight and I just wanted to let you know I committed to play softball at Syracuse University. Over the past 1.5 months (since coaches could call on Sept. 1) I have had so many coaches call me and tell me that they read the article you published for me and it really told my story. I can’t thank you enough for doing what you do for the game of softball and for girls like me! Have a great day!!!”
I congratulated her and asked why Syracuse and if she is already stocking up on “Orange” gear.
“Yes, Orange will probably be my favorite color forever!” she responded and as to why Syracuse she explained: “When I stepped on campus, it felt like home! The coaches have been awesome and did their best to inform me about the school and what they have to offer in our virtual world right now. Its not that far from my house so I could get home if needed. Also, the coaching staff really has the vision of what I wanted in a softball program. I think I am going to have to love the snow too!!! Lol”
We had Madison ranked at #15 in the 2022 Extra Elite 100 published in April 202 with the following write-up on her:
T-15—Madison Knight, P, PA Chaos – Spina
Madison is a power pitching and power hitting player with multiple talents. The nearly 6-foot- hurler has a 68-mph overhand throw with a 79-mph exit velocity and throws in the mid-60s from the circle. Last year Madison hit .468 with 12 home runs and 10 doubles and got on-base at a .540 clip. She’s a key contributor to Joe Spina’s 18U team and is an excellent athlete who also has been All-County in basketball for Patterson Mill (Bel Air, Maryland) High as well as for softball. Playing for Eric Thrush’s 16U team last summer, Madison, nicknamed “Mayday,” helped the Chaos finish first at tournaments like Team NJ and the Virginia Glory Strikeout Cancer Invitational while taking 5th at the World Fastpitch Championship and 9th at Boulder IDT. She has multiple Top 25 programs after her including some from the ACC and SEC.
Below is the story she referenced and it’s a great tale of perseverance! Following the Madison Knight’s of the sport is what makes my job so rewarding! And congratulations to Syracuse, too, for not only getting a great young player, but an even better person as well!
— Brentt Eads, Extra Inning Softball
I am extremely excited to announce that I will be continuing my athletic and academic career at Syracuse University! A huge thank you to all my coaches, family and teammates for always believing in me! I could not have done it without all your support! Go Cuse🍊 @CuseSB pic.twitter.com/TwI0Fw6H3T
— Madison Knight (@madisonknight25) October 23, 2020
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Inside Pitch: 2022 Extra Elite 100 Pitcher Madison Knight… “I Was Cut from My First Club Team Tryout at 10U!”
Originally published April 4, 2020
Today, Madison Knight, who goes by the nickname “Mayday,” is a sophomore playing for Joe Spina’s talented PA Chaos 18U team and was recently honored as a Top 20 player in the 2022 Extra Elite 100.
The 5-foot-11 standout, who attends Patterson Mill (Bel Air, Maryland) High, is one of the top two-way players in the country as she throws in the mid-60’s in the circle is a dangerous power-hitter at the plate.
But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Madison, who recounts in today’s Inside Pitch of a time when things didn’t go as planned at her very first travel ball tryout… and the decision she faced on how to handle adversity and disappointment.
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Spring means tryouts for a lot of first-time softball players. During these times, your emotions can be filled with excitement, nervousness and in some cases disappointment.
That was true when I tried out for my first travel team.
I played rec softball for my first two seasons and after my second season I decided to try out for the local 10U travel team. I thought I did well, and I was confident with my tryout. At the end of the last tryout, the coach said that out of the 20 girls that tried out, 13 would make the team.
I thought I had a good chance!
The next few days seemed to take forever. However, on the third day, right around my bedtime, I heard the phone ring. I heard my dad talking “softball,” so I knew this was the call I was waiting for. When the call was over, my dad walked into my bedroom.
My heart was racing, and I couldn’t wait to hear the news. He opened the door and I still remember the expression on his face. As he approached my bed, he told me all the good things the coach said I did at the try-out. I had a big smile on my face.
Then the conversation didn’t go the way I thought it would. “Mayday,” he said in a disappointed voice, “you didn’t make the team.”
I couldn’t believe it. I was shocked. I really thought I did well.
So many emotions were rushing through my mind. To be honest I don’t even remember the next few sentences he said. All I remember is at that moment I had to decide if I should feel sorry for myself or find the determination to get better.
As my father kept talking to me and trying to make me feel better, I interrupted him and with tears in my eyes I asked him if we could go to the field the next day to practice. With tears in his eyes, he replied, “Absolutely!”
At that moment I decided this was an emotion I never wanted to feel again.
Over the next few months, we were at the field approximately five-to-six days a week for about two hours. We worked on everything from pitching, fielding, and hitting. He even taught me how to think quick on my feet.
On the way home from the field he would always quiz me on situations as to where I should make the play or what pitch to throw in a certain count. As I would answer his questions, he would let me know if I made the correct decision or not.
If I made the wrong decision, he would tell me where the play should have been made or what base I should have covered or what bag I should have backed up. I played many intense games in my head even before I played one competitive travel game!
Looking back, I am extremely thankful for not making my first travel team. That disappointment led to the drive, desire, and passion I have for this game.
The following year, I made my first travel team. I felt such a sense of accomplishment, but still had the drive to get better!
I tried out for the USSSA All-American Northeast team (FL) and made it as a Direct Select in my 10, 11 and 12U years. I was also invited to two years of Faster2First (SC, NJ). I even made the 12U inaugural season of the USA All-American Team in (OK).
Those experiences led me to where I am now.
During my second and third year playing in Florida, Coach Eric Thrush’s daughter Catelyn Thrush also made the team. During the time we played together he recognized my talent. He invited me to try out for his 14U PA Chaos Team. This brought together a lot of my All-American teammates over the past three seasons.
We had two great 14U seasons, traveling across the country. Our record during those two years was 116-48. There were many memorable wins and loses throughout those two years that helped shape me into the player that I am today. I was truly blessed to be on a team with such great coaches and teammates!
This past fall I tried out and made Coach Joe Spina’s 18U Gold team. I am super excited to see how the next few seasons will play out. Coach Joe is a great coach and he has high expectations for us. At every practice and during every game he pushes each one of us to get better. His guidance, support, and knowledge of the game is a true blessing.
As I think about all the girls that have made–or not made–their travel teams, I cannot help but think that at some point they will have to make some of the same decisions I made early in my softball career.
They can either blame others for why they aren’t starting, or why they have not made teams, or they can do what it takes to make themselves better.
I am just thankful that little eight-year-old girl chose to make herself better rather than blame others because I really am enjoying the path I am on now!
Go Chaos!
— Madison “Mayday” Knight