Maddie Heinlin from Pleasanton, California, has been a huge contributor to the softball program at the University of California, Riverside (UCR). She has spent all four years of her collegiate softball career at UCR and has accomplished an impressive array of achievements on and off the field, leaving a lasting impact on the program. This past week, Heinlin was named Big West Pitcher of the Week for the first time, marking another major milestone in her success this season.
Upon being named Big West Pitcher of the Week, Heinlin’s initial reaction was one of surprise. There have been times in her career when she anticipated receiving this award, but did not receive it. Heinlin felt accomplished, honored and happy to receive this recognition.
Before this award, Heinlin had made Second Team All-Big West as a sophomore in 2023. Since then, she has evolved as a pitcher in numerous ways, notably by changing her perspective as needed per game. Heinlin stopped relying on necessarily throwing the best pitch, as that can lead to a predictable game. Alternatively, she has put trust in herself, knowing that her other pitches are just as good.
Heinlin’s biggest influences in her development as a pitcher have been the two pitching coaches she has had the opportunity to work with at UCR and her father. Heinlin started her journey at UCR with Coach Cindy Bristow, but now works with Coach Nicholas Sanchez.
Both coaches have provided tremendous support to her mentally and physically. During Heinlin’s junior year, she put too much pressure on herself following a successful sophomore season. She began to struggle, but after giving herself time to relax and destress, she was able to get her momentum back.
Still, the most influential person in her development has to be her father. She shared how every time she is home during a break, he handles her catching duties and has done so for her since the age of nine. She playfully mentioned how he even catches her pitches without any gear on.
For the remainder of the season, Heinlin revealed that the number one goal for the team is to make the Big West Tournament at the end of the year. As a personal goal, she looks to accumulate 100 strikeouts en route to an All-Big West First-Team mention.
Heinlin strives to do whatever she can to help her team win. She delivered once more in Friday’s contest against California State University, Long Beach, surrendering zero earned runs in seven full innings.
With her collegiate softball career shortly coming to an end, Heinlin hopes to be remembered as someone who worked hard and was a good leader, but also someone who brought a lot of fun and energy to the team.
When asked what being a Highlander means to her, Heinlin expressed that it is making the best of every situation by utilizing what is already available. She went on to say that determination and work ethic are what make individuals successful.
