Jordan Maenza '21 Recruiting Profile

Since the age of 5 whenever I stepped on a softball field I loved the smell of the grass and the feel of the dirt under my cleats.  Throughout the years I participated in gymnastics, dance and basketball but always came back to softball each summer. As I got older the game became more interesting to me and I wanted to be more competitive. When I was 10 the catcher on our rec team got injured and I was asked to step in…..I’ve never looked back. At the same time my twin sister, Sydney, took to pitching and as a duo we always had a partner to practice our different drills and develop ourselves into strong players.   A catcher needs to be smart, athletic and strong.  As the eyes of the field my team depends on me to lead them in the right direction, call smart pitches and make good plays. There are many things that go into this position that aren’t simply physical.  A catchers mind is most important when it comes to knowing the game and anticipating a hit or a play.

 Growing up my family has taught me to be independent and to work hard. Volunteer work and hobbies like reading, writing and cooking have also given me the opportunity to learn about myself and what I can contribute to the world. Softball and my position as a catcher have taught me what it takes to be a leader but it also helped me develop the ability to put my trust in others and myself which is something that I had a hard time with in the past.  The competition within me to be a better player and become a starter has been at times gratifying and exhilarating as well as frustrating and disappointing. Year round practice and honing of my skills was rewarded with being on the varsity roster as a freshman with the disappointment of not getting much play time. Winning our conference championship as a freshman and returning to the same competition as a sophomore were incredible only to have a pandemic steal my first season as a varsity starter where I had hoped to make my contribution to the team.

All of these experiences have brought me to the precipice of where I stand today; almost a senior in high school ready to develop the blueprint for my future.  Softball is a part of that future and amid this sport I have learned to maintain self-reliance, stamina, perseverance, good physical and mental health and determination. These skills transfer into my performance as a student. I take pride in the level of dedication and resolve that I have put into my student life.  Playing a sport required me to organize and prioritize my role as a teammate and a student in order to maintain my level of play but also my GPA. I am proud to have been able to achieve high honors with a 4.0 GPA throughout the majority of my high school years. These skills will benefit me throughout my life.  

As I develop my interests and where I propose to spend my college years I know that I want to take softball with me. I am a catcher. The union and camaraderie of my team keeps me grounded and whole and I want to smell the grass and keep the dirt beneath my cleats for another four years.