Junior Avery Malicki started playing softball at five years old and has been interested since she was 5. Malicki is the 3rd base player for the varsity girls softball team but also can play other positions. Malicki is a great catcher and has a very accurate throw that benefits her team.

In addition to playing for the school, she is also apart of the travel team, ICE (Illinois college exposure). The team gets noticed by multiple colleges and is a great opportunity for scholarships. As the season, begins she has high expectations for the success of her team and herself individually.

“I am excited to see what we can do and how far we go we have good chemistry and are good with each other,” Malicki said.

Focusing only on softball and school, Malicki is setting up a future for herself that could possibly lead to her playing in college. Although, it is not fully decided whether or not she wants to continue she is still working hard for her future. When Malicki is not focusing on school or softball she is usually hanging out with her friends and enjoying her high school experience.

“Avery is a very strong athlete, she understands what needs to be done in order to win and she does those things to the best of her ability,” junior Deighton Butenschoen said. “She is a lot of fun to play with because she never is in a bad mood.”

Malicki is also known as a funny and motivating teammate; she loves making her team excited before games and supporting them. Malicki makes her teammates push themselves to be the best players they can be each game..

“She’s super loud and outgoing and makes a slow softball game really fun. she makes everyone feel comfortable and helps the team click a lot more,” junior Abby Pyburn said. “I’ve been playing with her since 10u and we have gone a long way together and it’s cool to see her grow up to be herself and make other people around her happier and smile.”

Softball has taught Malicki many things about communication and being close with her teammates as well as learning a lot about relationships with them.

“Softball  has changed me to be more patient and to learn that good thing take time,” Malicki said. “Getting to know my teammates over the 3 years i’ve been part of this program has definitely helped our chemistry.”

Malicki will continue to have fun and support her team, she plays 3rd base but she is first in the hearts of her team.