University of Minnesota Athletics
Houlihan Provides Steady Presence
12/8/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Maddie Houlihan smashed open the record book in her high school career with Benilde St. Margaret's owning every single hitting record in school history.
It can be difficult to transition that success to the collegiate level but Houlihan made it look easy. She made an instant impact for the Gophers hitting in the heart of the lineup and starting every game at first base. She won Big Ten Freshman of the Year hitting .356 with 13 doubles and 11 home runs with 46 RBI.
"Last year was hands down the most exciting and fun year of my life thus far. To be able to represent this University is such an honor, and having an impact on the field was such a great experience," Houlihan said. "I went into season having no expectations of myself, and said to just play my best and hope for the best. I was never worried about my personal success, but the success of the team. The personal success was just a bonus."
No stage seems to phase Houlihan. She stays calm and collected in even the biggest moments. One of her biggest performances came when the Gophers traveled to Oklahoma, the eventual national champions, last season. She reached base all five times she came up, hit a home run, a double and recorded five RBI. The Gophers won the game 12-10 in eight innings. Houlihan never let the moment get to big.
"I would say that is one of my strong suits," Houlihan explained. "Have an even keel type of attitude. I work to just get better constantly, and not let a good or bad day playing effect my attitude."
Houlihan's calm poise and team first mentality has been on full display this fall. She has played first base since she was a youth player and earned All-Big Ten First Team honors there last season. This season she has been asked to move to outfield as the Maroon and Gold graduated an all senior outfield from last year.
"I personally love it, as it is a part of softball that I have never experienced before, and it is exciting to make little improvements each day," she said. "Coach Allister has done an amazing job making the transition easy and pushing me to track down balls that I would have never thought I could. I hope to continue to improve everyday and be ready by the time season comes along."
While Houlihan quickly tries to pick up a position she has never played her whole life she is also adjusting to a leadership role as just a sophomore with nine newcomers on the team.
"I have just tried to lead by example on and off the field, and be there for any newcomers who have questions or need someone to talk to," Houlihan explained. "We have those who like to lead vocally, so I have found my leadership style to be that of doing things right in the weight room, at practice and working hard in the class room as well. I have done my best to make the newcomers welcome, and am so glad to have them be a part of the Gopher softball family."
On top of her on the field responsibilities Houlihan took on a very important off the field role last season. She began splitting time with Erika Rozell as the person who makes the team CD for the bus rides.
"Definitely a huge responsibility. Erika Rozell has been a solid CD maker for the year that I have been here so I'd say we switched off getting the music going on the bus, which is how I'm guessing it will go this year," Houlihan said.
Houlihan has strong qualifications for the job. She is considered by some of her teammates as the best dancer on the squad.
"Oh if a good song comes on, there is no stopping me," she said. "It may not be the prettiest thing, in fact might be the ugliest, but I go for it. Overall, we aren't the most coordinated dancers, but it is pretty historical to see some of us dance."
That fun and laid back personality helped Houlihan make a huge impact for the Gophers last season and chances are that is going to continue in her sophomore campaign.
