It should come as no surprise that Antioch’s Maddy Clancy is looking forward to another run to the state tournament.
The senior outfielder is the only current player who was on the roster when the softball team made the first of three straight trips to the Class 3A state semifinals and won the third-place trophy in 2022. Clancy has also competed at state twice in competitive cheerleading.
But this season is different. Clancy, who was a reserve for the softball team as a freshman and sophomore, missed all of last season after suffering a torn labrum in her left shoulder during a cheer routine.
“I was in shock and popped it back in while holding a girl in the air on day one of state,” she said. “I didn’t feel anything. I was in the moment. After I got off the performance floor, it hit me. I really felt uncomfortable when the adrenaline went away.”
While Clancy was sidelined, the softball team finished second in 3A for the second year in a row.
“I’ve learned not to take anything for granted,” she said. “I really wanted to have a starting position this year just knowing last year was taken away from me. I worked really hard and wanted to help the team get back to state.”
Clancy has earned that starting role for Antioch (11-11, 6-0), which is in position to win another Northern Lake County Conference title. She went 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored during the Sequoits’ 15-1 conference win against Round Lake on Tuesday and has two doubles, a triple, eight RBIs and 16 runs scored this season.
“Maddy has been around the program a long time,” Antioch coach Anthony Rocco said. “She’s been through three state runs and seen several tough games. She’s always been a good contributor for us. She would’ve been a starter for us last year.
“She’s the only player with a 1.000 fielding percentage this year. She’s done a good job stealing bases, laying down bunts in small ball and making good contact for us. She’s a second leadoff hitter at No. 9 in the order.”
It has been a long road back for Clancy, who said she struggled last year after suffering the injury.
“I started spiraling,” she said. “I couldn’t play the game I loved. I attended a few practices, but it really hurt me. I asked the coaches if I could stay home a little bit. It was crushing me.
“But I eventually returned to the team and was a part of the state run. I started coping with my mental health. I wanted to physically support the girls and the team.”
Clancy said she started pushing herself as soon as she was cleared to play softball again. She was determined to contribute more this season.
“Maddy has always had a competitive drive,” Antioch junior outfielder Jenna Williamson said. “She has always wanted to win at all costs. When she was out due to her injury, all she wanted to do was play, so it’s great to see her back. She wants to win more now than ever before, and she helps push us to strive for the same goal.
“I saw all the hard work she put into her recovery. I was very excited when she got cleared. She’s always been a leader, so having her in the dugout is very beneficial.”
Antioch junior Sam Hillner isn’t surprised to see Clancy succeed this season.
“She has a great work ethic,” Hillner said. “She works hard not just at practice but also outside of it.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
