MADDIE MESSENGER
Broken Arrow
Ask any member of the women’s softball team at Northeastern State University and the response will be the same…Maddie Messenger is “ALL-N.”
After graduating from the largest high school in the state, Broken Arrow, the freshman third baseman for the RiverHawks eagerly admits she enjoys the opportunity to connect, not only with her teammates and coaches but also professors and the entire Tahlequah community as a student who feels at home.
“NSU and Tahlequah is a place where you can really find yourself and fit in,” said Messenger, whose softball skills have earned her a spot in the day-to-day lineup for the RiverHawks. “The people are the difference and everyone is so supportive. They understand your challenges and are willing to help out.”
A veteran of the game of softball since age three, Messenger is used to a busy schedule of competition, something she admits is a faster pace on the collegiate level that requires a commitment to time management; an area she’s thankful for the opportunities find success, on and off the field.
“With practices and games that include a lot of travel, time management is my biggest challenge,” said Messenger. “At NSU, professors go out of their way to help every student with the details of class requirements and assignments making it possible to not just complete the work on time but also allow you the opportunity to get ahead.”
Whether she’s anchoring the hot corner at third base for the softball team or dealing with her day-to-day responsibilities in the classroom, the key to success, according to Messenger, is communication.
“My position in softball requires me to stay focused at all times because it’s all about reaction. That includes communication before the play happens with my teammates,” Messenger said with confidence. “The same goes for making the grade in class. Professors, like Karl Kruczek in one of my math classes, are aware of students’ needs and are always asking how they can help make things better. Add it all together, it’s truly a family environment where we’re all on the same team.”
