Maddie Funck was six years old when she first started playing softball. Now a senior at Bixby High School, Funck has taken on a larger role with the team, and she is excited to help the Spartans to a great season. 

“I love playing for the Bixby Spartans. My teammates are all very supportive of each other on and off the field, and I think that is important for a successful team. We also like to have fun while we are playing, and even create new cheers and chants for each player,” said Funck. 

Funck is currently listed as a right fielder, but she is being used as a utility player early in the season. Her versatility allows head coach Joy Marie Galliart to make adjustments that fit the opponent for that day. Expectations are high for this squad with good experience and some talented underclassmen on the roster. 

“My main goal for this year is to just have fun and enjoy every last moment. But I would also love to make it to state this year,” said Funck. 

There have been a lot of highlights for Funck as a student-athlete, but one stands out amongst the rest. 

“My sophomore year we took a trip to St. Louis for a tournament that eventually got rained out. We ended up going shopping, going to a Cardinals game, which is my favorite baseball team, and just having so much fun with my teammates even though we didn’t actually play softball. Since I’m a senior this year I hope we can make even more memories like this,” said Funck. 

One area that receives the most attention from Funck is her academics. 

“Being a student-athlete has been a fun part of my high school experience, but academics are the most important thing to me because I believe high academic achievement in high school will help me be successful in college and life,” said Funck. “I belong to the National Honor Society, and I also try to attend the Fellowship of Christian Athletes meetings when I am able to. I still have not chosen a college, but I toured a few over the summer and plan to study meteorology wherever I end up going.” 

In her free time, you can expect to find Funck spending time with family. 

“I am involved with my church group, and I have a job so I work whenever I can. I also play on a competitive softball team, so my free time is often limited.