Lopez leaving her mark

Softball has been a part of Maddie Lopez’s life for as long as she can remember. It created a special bond between her and her father as he coached her up through junior high.

After playing little league in her younger days, the Lady Cats senior made the move to select ball in seventh grade.

She spent nearly every Saturday in Dallas or Oklahoma City playing the game she loved. Once she got to high school, she played with a local team, competing in college showcases trying to catch the eye of scouts in attendance.

Lopez said the game began to come naturally to her during her freshman year. The Lady Cats advanced to the regional finals that season with a loaded senior class.

“The game started to click for me when I was a freshman,” Lopez said. “I played with Vanessa and Victoria Rater. They were the seniors and I was the freshman. They helped get my confidence up whenever it was needed.”

Archer City head coach Mallory Mooney knew she had something special early on in Lopez’s career.

“She started out pretty strong her freshman year,” Mooney said of her third baseman. “It’s unfortunate we couldn’t see what happened her sophomore year because of Covid but last year she had eight home runs. She hit for a high average and always put the ball in play.”

Now that her senior year is finally here, Lopez is amazed at how fast the season is going.

“I’m shocked at how fast softball season is going,” Lopez said. “We’ve already started district. I really see good potential in this team. It reminds me a lot of my freshman year team. I get to play with a pair of Rater twins again. They have a pretty big role and they’ve got it covered.”

Her goal for the rest of her high school career is simple.

“My goal is to be outright district champs and to go further than I’ve ever gone in the playoffs before,” Lopez added. “I want to make it to state.”

Mooney has similar goals for her star-studded senior.

“I want her to carry that Lopez name and do her job at third base. She’s got a strong arm and can stop line drives hit at her. In the lineup, she can smash the ball. When she’s confident and on a roll, she can hit the ball 250 feet.”

After her playing career is done, she has already decided she does not want to pursue a collegiate career.

“I thought about playing in college, but I think I’m ready to hang up my shoes. I plan on going to Vernon College and becoming a surgical tech.”