This spring, Madison Monberger is working hard to make the best of her softball season. The Rough Riders are basically an inexperience group with only 10 players.

However, Monberger has done it throughout her three years. Along with softball, Monberger is a member of the Roughies’ volleyball and girls’ wrestling teams.

Even though she got off to a slow start, the shortstop has maintained a positive outlook for her team, which is looking for its first win (0-6).

“Our first game was not as bad as we all were expecting it to be, therefore, we have hope for the rest of the reason,” stressed Monberger. “We work hard at practice and push ourselves to be better. As we work harder, we can apply our work to the game.

“We only have 10 girls on the team, and it can be frustrating. But we have fun and make the most out of it. Going into this season, we knew we wouldn’t have many girls on the team due to all our seniors graduating last year.”

Monberger began playing T-ball when she was six and then started playing softball until the age of eight. She stopped playing to concentrate on a traveling cheerleading squad.

Once she got to high school, she shifted back to playing sports. Her mother Monica and brother Michael – a former Roughie player – were instrumental in her development.

“I started playing softball again because I remembered how much I like it, so I decided to pick it up again. I originally started playing softball/t-ball because my brother had played baseball and it looked really fun. My mom has been my biggest influence in my softball/athletic career is my mom. She was a great athlete at Allen High School and was able to help me with my athletics.”

Along with softball, Monberger enjoyed her wrestling season, and she plans to take the next step. She finished with an overall 10-11 record and recorded seven falls.

“Wrestling was amazing,” gushed Monberger. “I am so glad Catty put together a girls wrestling team. It was a very fun experience. I was able to learn a lot and have fun while doing it. We are currently doing off-season practices and our team has grown already and we have many more girls coming out. My goal for my senior year is to make it to regionals and possibly states.”

“I will try to reach that goal by working extra hard during off-season and working on my technique with the help of my coaches, Coach Rusnock and Coach Reed, who were great supporters and teachers.”

As for softball, Monberger will make the most if it.

As the season goes on, we strive to keep having fun,” she added. “We’ll keep working hard to do the best we can.”