By Blake Chadwick
Senior Gabi Uffendell will be a huge part of the Maize High Eagles success.
“My biggest strength is being able to play anywhere my coach puts me,” Uffendell said. “I also try to hide my frustrations when I make a mistake or have a bad game, and I like being able to pick up my teammates when they are down.”
The senior’s approach to practice and games reflects the competitive mindset she brings to the field.
“I like to practice how I will play in a game,” Uffendell said. “I treat practice like a pregame warmup. My mindset when practicing is that it’s okay to make mistakes because I’d rather make them in practice than in games. When I’m playing, I try to take one play at a time and play like it could be my last game.”
Uffendell hopes to leave a strong example for the younger players in the program while helping the team make a deep postseason run.
“My goal this year is to be a good role model for the underclassmen and just have fun,” Uffendell said. “Our team goal is definitely to make it to state and win, but also to enjoy playing together one last time before us seniors head to college.”
Head coach Jeff Topping says Uffendell’s work ethic and versatility have made her one of the most valuable players in the program.
“Gabi is one of the hardest working players I have ever coached,” Topping said. “She plays every game like it is her last and leads by example.”
Topping also points to her all-around ability as a major strength.
“Gabi is a very talented athlete who excels in both softball and flag football,” Topping said. “In softball she’s a true five-tool player. She can hit, throw, field, catch, and run with the best of them.”
