Proud of Our Pards: Madeline Allen '13

As a Psychology major, Madeline Allen constantly works with cognitive and behavioral processes. This is not simply classroom theory. Allen carries her studies onto the softball field. 

 “In order for me to have success at this level, the component to my game that needed the most work was the mental aspect,” said Allen, who is a captain of the team. “I have had to work extremely hard both in the classroom and on the field to relieve performance anxiety.” 

The Highland Mills native started all games last season, and had 16 hits and seven runs scored. Allen has started all 11 games and leads the team in batting average with a .348, on base percentage (.444) and hits (eight). 

She attributes her success to her dad’s keen eye for talent. 

“My dad influenced me to start playing softball,” she said. “I was very into soccer and basketball when I was younger, but these sports didn’t allow me to use my strength. My dad saw me hit a whiffle ball to the other neighbor’s yard one time, and he took me to sign up that spring.”

Until high school, Allen’s success and her father’s motivation kept her playing the sport she loves. 

“My success kept me motivated until about sophomore year in high school. When I reached the recruiting period, I became very depressed and anxious due to the pressure I felt playing in front of college coaches,” Allen said. “At this point, my goal of becoming a Division I athlete kept me motivated.” 

“I love to be challenged in all facets of my life, and the challenges brought on from being a college athlete drove me to continue pursuing my dream of becoming not just a college student, but also a student athlete,” she added.

Allen has changed positions many times throughout her career. Though recruited as a catcher, she has played most of her time at the corner infield positions.  

Allen believes the softball squad can turn things around in time for conference play. 

“Our team has a lot of individual talent and we continue to use our individual skills to create a cohesive unit on the field,” Allen said. “Unfortunately, we have gotten off to a rough start but we acknowledge our weakness in order to become a successful team by the time Patriot League play begins.”

When asked what is unique about this year’s team Allen said, “This year’s team has a lot of unique spunk that makes playing with each other a lot of fun. Each member of the team brings something different to the table.”

The softball team this season is 3-8. 

They compete March 22 against Brown and Princeton respectively in the 2013 Sean Savage Tournament at Delaware St. University.