by By Dan Ninham (Oneida)
Madison O’Dell is a 5-9 senior softball player at Sault Area High School, Michigan. She plays 2nd and 3rd base, catcher and the outfield positions.
Derek and Jenni O’Dell are Madison’s parents. The family are members of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa and live in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
“The tribal core values that define me as a student athlete are integrity, respect and perseverance,” said Madison. “The first value is integrity in making ethical choices and adhering to strong moral principles. The second value that defines me is respect and showing regard for my coaches, teammates and opponents. This also means showing empathy and compassion on and off the field. Lastly, perseverance and giving the game my all even when it so difficult, and continually striving to reach my personal goals.”
“My parents have given me their unconditional support, without them I would not be where I am today,” said Madison. “My coaches Linda Bouvet, Lisa McRorie, Bob Tocco and Jamie Lipovsky who have pushed me to be the best player I could be.”
“I was Madison’s high school softball coach for two seasons, and have coached her since she began playing softball at age 12,” said Linda Bouvet, Soo Legacies softball club manager. “I remember Madison telling me when she first started playing softball that she wanted to play college softball. She was pretty raw skill-wise at that point, and I really wasn’t sure what the future held for her, but it was clear she loved the game. As the years went by she got better and better. In addition to working hard she joined a downstate travel team, the Michigan Gold Rush, and tested herself against tougher competition than we generally see in the Eastern U.P. Coach Lipovsky’s program gave her game just the boost she needed.”
“Madison is a catcher in our program, which means she has to be the quarterback on the field. It’s arguably the most demanding role on our team. She is a quiet kid, and had to learn to be vocal on the field. She has become a very calming presence for her teammates, on the field and off,” added Coach Linda.
“Madison comes from a wonderful family that has provided amazing support and the means to become successful,” said Coach Linda. “She instinctively knows how to be a great teammate and asset to her coaches. I am most impressed with her ability to take the high road in all circumstances, whether it’s a challenging opponent, health issue or frustrating teammate. She is the type of kid who puts others first in everything she does, which is part of what makes her a great catcher.”
“I couldn’t be more happy for Madison. She will play college softball next year, achieving a life-long dream. But that is just part of what defines her. Madison will someday be a great health-care professional, mom or whatever she chooses to be,” added Coach Linda.
“Madison will have played all four years on varsity when she graduates this year,” said Lisa McRorie, Blue Devils Head Coach. “She has been the starting catcher the last two years, and split duties before that. She also is a very good 2nd baseman. She was named to the all district team in 2018 as a 2nd baseman.”
“Madison has been an important part of our rebuild the last couple of years. Her hard work and perseverance is a great example to the younger players. Even while dealing with medical issues the last couple of years she still had her best varsity season last year batting .358 and fielding percentage of .984. This includes her playing both catcher and 2nd base last year,” added Coach Lisa.
Jamie Lipovsky, Michigan Gold Rush Coach, described the leadership of one of his athletes: “Madison is one heck of a kid. She plays with our travel team that is based in Clare County. That’s about three hours from her home in the Soo. Madison made the decision to join us knowing that making a practice during the winter would require six hours of travel time for just a two-hour practice. That is just something that doesn’t phase her. She is always there and on weekends during the summer travels to the Lower Peninsula without hesitation for tournaments. She is a leader on the field because she doesn’t care where she plays: catcher this inning, 2nd base the next inning, back to catcher, right field for the fourth, left field for the fifth. Take an inning off and back to 2nd for the 7th. And she plays them all with great ability and enthusiasm. Overall she is a great kid from a great family. Madison Odell is an A+ in my book.”
“I have played varsity softball for the Blue Devils for three seasons and will be a four-year varsity player following the spring high school season,” said Madison. “I have been the starting catcher the last two years, and I have also played second base. I have also played travel softball for three years with the Michigan Gold Rush. I started my softball career with the Soo Legacies travel team at the age 11.”
“I have received All District Utility player of the year, 2nd Team All-Conference, and Most Improved and Coaches Award,” said Madison. “I was also part of our program’s Downing/Falvo Team Service recognition. I recently signed a National Letter of Intent to play for Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.”
“I am a member of the National Honor Society, Business Professional of America and Health Professionals of America,” added Madison. “My advice to other student athletes is to set goals for what you want to achieve in your sport and in school,” said Madison. “Remember to work hard and follow your dreams.”
Photo Credits: Mom and Amanda Shields
