C – Courage

H – Hurt, but its all for the honor of the team

A – Attitude working through the patience

M – Motivation

P – Perseverance

I – Integrity

O – Optimistic

N – Never Give Up

The acronym defines the many traits of a champion. The same traits could also apply to Madison Parish whose do-it-from-the-heart approach and being competitive from the start is making a game changing result for the Tahlequah Lady Tigers softball program as well as in her everyday life.

“I thrive on competition,” smiled the energetic sophomore. “The feeling you get when you beat a good team. When your down and you know you have to get back and fight again. The competition keeps you going and makes you want to for a long time.”

Her competitive spirit on and off the field, further exemplified by her 4.0 GPA in the classroom, is just one of the many traits displayed by Parish; a value she credits learning from her dad.

“Growing up I always watched my dad do things and I could see he had a strong competitive nature that I wanted,” Parish said with a smile. “He never gave up on things. He taught me to have a good sportsmanship and to tip your hat to the other player.” 

Parish also knows the value of being adaptable and willing to adjust or change. While playing catcher, second base or outfield during the fastpitch season, she encountered a challenge at the start of the slowpitch season this spring. 

“Maddy was our slow pitch catcher last season and was projected to assume that same role this season.  However, we needed a pitcher when our returning pitcher decided to play tennis this season,” recalled head coach Chris Ray. “She had never pitched an inning of slow pitch softball in her career.  I asked her if she would be interested in filling that role and without any hesitation she agreed.”

Her decision and results prove that Parish competes with a “whatever it takes” approach to achieve success.  

“Maddy is a team first player; willing to do whatever is necessary to make the team better,” Ray said with admiration. “She has grown tremendously in her new role and by doing so, it has allowed Tahlequah softball to enjoy a significant amount of success.”