Orange Lutheran senior Madelyn Armendariz was raised in a softball and baseball family, so having a bat in her hand has always come naturally. The standout Lancers shortstop, who's played softball since age five, says the community is what she loves most about the game.

"I play softball because of the people that I meet through it," says Armendariz. "I'm such a competitive person with that drive and that want to win, so having people around me that want the same thing is what I really like about it."

As a senior leader this season for the Lancers, Armendariz's leadership is rooted in her ability to connect with each of her teammates individually.

"I'm going to make sure that every individual is ready to play to the best of their ability," says Armendariz. "And on top of that, I think my work ethic is one of the ways that I lead. I'm not that loud person, but the way that I do what I do brings everyone else up with me."

The Lancers are aiming for a sixth straight Trinity League title and a deep CIF playoff run. In her final season for OLu, Armendariz is focused on refining the details of her game, both mentally and physically. The four-year varsity player has made an impact across all aspects of the game and will leave her mark on the program. 

"Through her first three years at OLu, Madelyn has posted a .350 career batting average and continues to get better and better offensively with each passing season," says OLu softball head coach Steve Miklos. "Her consistency at the plate, with hits in 23 of our 28 games last year, is a testament to her value and contribution to our team's success during her time at OLu.

"Madelyn's contributions are not just on offense, but on defense as well. She is the best shortstop to come through Orange Lutheran in a long time. I'm not sure some people realize how good she is at short when they watch her play, as she makes difficult plays look routine. Madelyn is a leader on our team and, most importantly, a mentor to our younger players."

Armendariz has battled challenges from the mental side of the game over the years she has played, so she leans on teammates for support and to keep perspective. The game has taught her leadership and how to trust her preparation. 

"I think dealing with the trials and dealing with other people will really help me down the line," says Armendariz. "But I'd also say softball has taught me to prepare. It's about trusting myself and everything that I've put into it… Being a hard worker in everything I do helps me slow things down and stay grounded."

Armendariz feels a special bond with this year's squad, and she credits the softball program and her teammates for helping her grow in her faith during her time at OLu.

"Having that relationship with Christ makes our relationship as a team stronger," says the 18-year old. "Our goal is more than just outcome-driven and achievement-based. We have to acknowledge that it's all in his hands, and I think that's really helped me and developed me as a player."

Next fall, Armendariz is headed to the University of Mississippi to play softball and study biomedical engineering. She is grateful for her family, specifically her mother and grandfather, both of whom have supported her throughout her athletic and academic journey.

"My grandpa is really supportive, but he also shows me that (softball) is not all that matters," says Armendariz. "He's made it easier for me to play the sport without so much pressure on me, but he also has helped me get better.

"My mom has done anything she can to give us the best opportunities, whether that's in sports or just in life," she adds. "I don't think I would have gotten here without that."