By TIM BIRNEYValley Sports Report
ATHENS — Athens senior Maddy Hiley had no intention of playing softball in college, but a former coach changed her mind.
On Monday, Hiley signed a National Letter-of-Intent to play softball at Tompkins-Cortland Community College.
"(TCCC) was just the best option for me," said Hiley. "It was all about the coaching.
"I love the coach (Paul Bernardini)," she noted. "He is a great coach, and I've known him, so that's why I decided to go there.
"It also lets me focus on my academics," added Hiley, who will major in Nursing.
Junior college is often a stepping stone to playing at a bigger, four-year school.
"If that's how it turns out, then that's how it's gonna turn out," said Hiley.
"I originally didn't want to play in college, but this opportunity has helped me decide that I do want to continue on," she added.
Hiley is also looking forward to spending her days on campus.
"I really do enjoy the campus," she said. "It's really nice, and all the people there are really nice.
"I've met a lot of the girls on the team, and stayed with them, and they're all just great," added Hiley.
Athens softball coach Brian Wendela has little doubt Hiley will succeed at the next level.
"First of all, Maddie is going to be very successful because not only is she a great ballplayer on the field, she's very intelligent off the field.
"She's taken big strides in the three years I've been here with her," he said.
"She carries herself very well, and she's just a very strong individual," noted Wendela.
"She's going to do big things, and she's going to help that softball team," he added.
Wendela said Hiley is a very good player, but still has some work to do.
"There's always work to be done," he said. "Maddie is pretty well-rounded, but she could always work on her footwork, and you know she'll grind to find that perfect swing."
Hiley, who believes she'll play some third base and also pitch at TCCC, is excited to test herself in college.
"I'm really excited. It's a huge step for me," she said. "The next level is gonna be a lot tougher and better competition, but that's what I want."
Hiley, who was integral component in Athens' run to the state quarterfinals last year is focused on the Wildcats this spring, and she has some team goals.
"Our goal is making it further than we did last year, staying focused, and everyone putting in the work that we need to," she said.
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IN PHOTO 1: Athens junior Maddie Hiley. ... PHOTOS BY TIM BIRNEY.
