While playing second base or right field for Coronado High School, Madison Cannon has earned the reputation of being a caring and effective leader and has affectionately been called “Mother Maddie” by her teammates.
Having played four seasons of varsity softball, Head Coach Tom Dull said that Cannon has the ability to bridge the gap between younger and older players.
“It’s like having another coach on the field.”
-Softball coach Tom Dull on senior Madison Cannon.
“I rely on her a great deal,” he said. “Since she understands what it is like to be a freshman on the team, she is terrific at helping the underclassmen get up to speed on drills, plays or techniques. It’s like having another coach on the field.”
Cannon’s leadership ability is not the only thing that she brings to the table, as she bats lead off for the Islanders.
Sporting a .236 batting average in 2022, Cannon said her approach at the plate this season is one of patience and scrutiny.
Helping the team
“My goal at first, is to see as many pitches as possible,” Cannon said, “It is my job to learn as much about the pitcher as possible, so I can help the team know what to expect.”
Madison’s innate instinct to help her teammates succeed is something that does not go unnoticed by coaches and teammates.
Dull says that her ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and simultaneously put the needs of others first is part of what makes her so valuable to the Coronado softball program.
“She is a terrific role model for all the girls. She is able to maintain a 4.2 GPA, active in yearbook, ASB, and even finds the time to work,” Dull said, “She had a lot going on in her life and still thinks about others, that’s what makes Madison special.”
While some veteran players may focus on personal success to make the most of their last season in high school, Cannon does the opposite, according to her coach.
“She tells the girls which uniform to wear, what early release times are, changes to practice and game times, organizes team bonding events and runs the Instagram page with game day updates,” he said. “It is awesome having her lead this team and we will truly miss her next year.”
“Feel like family”
While her time as an Islander is quickly coming to a close, Cannon spoke about the culture surrounding Coronado softball, highlighting her relationships with teammates.
“I have played with some of the girls since I was in elementary school and it has been so amazing to watch all of them grow,” she said. “This year, we have a very small softball program so everyone has gotten the chance to bond and really feel like family.”
Cannon and the rest of the Islanders will look to correct a tumultuous 1-7-1 start to the season as league play begins. The Islanders went 10-0 in league play in 2022 despite starting 3-10 in non-league play.
Coronado faces off against Southwest San Diego on April 4, at 4:00 p.m. as the the team prepares for City League play.
