Unconventional beginnings pave way for Carlisle’s college dream

SIKESTON — Diamonds in the rough are found in the unlikeliest of places. When it came to softball, Scott County Central’s Maddy Carlisle had to forge her own path, starting on fields dominated by boys and defying limitations with every swing.

Now, after years of unrelenting hustle, her can’t-stop spirit has earned her a chance to compete under the bright lights of collegiate softball at Central Methodist University.

“It felt good to achieve that dream of playing in college,” said Maddy Carlisle after a signing ceremony at SCC High School on Friday, Dec. 8. “I want to take the opportunity to thank my high school coaches, travel ball coaches, and my teammates because without them I wouldn’t be in this position.”

Teammates join Maddy Carlisle after she signs with Central Methodist University during a ceremony at Scott County Central High School on Friday, Dec. 8.

However, her two-year reign as an All-Scott-Mississippi Conference player hasn’t just been about heart. The 2023 season provided plenty of evidence of Maddy’s well-rounded skillset: a .344 batting average, 21 hits (including four doubles and three triples), and a solo homer. She also drove in 18 runs, scored 24, swiped eight bases, and posted a 3-1 record with a 2.84 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 24.2 innings pitched.

“I am excited and nervous about everything that college and college softball has to offer,” she said. “I’ve met some of the girls and we clicked. They were just so welcoming and I’ve talked to quite a few of my other teammates and I am so excited to meet them in person.”

Beyond her stats, Maddy’s magic lay in her leadership, not just in the numbers on the scoreboard, but in the invisible threads of trust she wove among her team.

Scott County Central's Madalynn Carlisle takes a swing during�Sikeston's 18-6 over the Bravettes at Gravietts Memorial Ball Field in Vanduser, Mo., on Thursday, Sep. 8.Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

“I’ve always been a laid-back person so instead of being boisterous I’ve learned to lead by example,” she said. “I’m always willing to put the extra time in before or after practice or even by myself. I’ve always tried to take initiative and get other girls involved in the game. I try to be the best teammate and help teammates with their confidence on the field.”

While Scott County Central didn’t offer softball in her early years, she temporarily found a different diamond: the baseball field.

Sharing the dirt with and competing against her male counterparts may not have been conventional, but it undoubtedly contributed to her athletic development, laying the groundwork for her later success.

Scott County Central's Madalynn Carlisle throws the ball to the infield after making a catch�during Sikeston's 18-6 over the Bravettes at Gravietts Memorial Ball Field in Vanduser, Mo., on Thursday, Sep. 8.Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

“Baseball helped me develop some of the fundamentals,” she said. “They’re very similar games, and just being able to get the reps and spend time on the field has helped me improve.”

Playing amongst her peers on the baseball field laid the foundation for Maddy’s fearless approach to the game. Her coachability shone through in her willingness to absorb every tip, shaping her into a well-rounded athlete.

“I moment that stands out in my mind is a baseball game where I went to the dugout and needed someone to pitch,” said SCC athletic director and Maddy’s father, Tim Carlisle. “None of the boys wanted to go out on the mound and she was the only one who said they would do it.

“She constantly wants to get better and worked for it,” he continued. “It wasn’t just handed to her. She earned it.”

NAIA powerhouse Central Methodist University ranked No. 8 in the Preseason Coaches’ Poll, is located in Fayette, Missouri. Led by longtime coach Pat Reardon, 892-558-1 in 31 seasons, and competes as a member of the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

“I have high expectations for her,” Tim Carlisle said. “It’s bittersweet. I’m excited about her upcoming senior year. That’s huge for us as a team, but I’m going to miss her next year. Not just as a dad, but as a coach, trying to find someone to fill those shoes. She’s played a huge part in building this program and the success we’ve had. But the staff at [CMU] treated us like family. It just felt right and I’m glad she made this decision.”

The Bravettes will begin their spring season against Risco on March 15.