Agnes Irwin catcher Michala Maciolek is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week
The junior catcher, a first team All-InterAc and All-Main Line selection as a sophomore, is batting .643 with a 1.429 slugging percentage, three doubles and two home runs (as of April 24). The Syracuse University-bound junior is an excellent defensive catcher who threw out four of five attempted base stealers last spring, but can play any position for the Owls as needed. Last spring she batted well over .300 and had a slugging percentage close to .800, batting from the No. 3 spot.
Q: As a catcher, can you pick up clues to what to throw to a hitter while watching her in pre-game batting practice? Can you give an example of this?
A: While watching pre-game warm-ups of opposing hitters, I usually look for a few things in their swings. For example if they are pulling out with their front shoulder then I would most likely call to pitch them low and outside. If their load is outside of their body, or if they have a slow swing, then I would throw them inside.
Q: Coach Pauley lauds your ability to play any position the team needs you to play. What positions have you played for Agnes Irwin? Can you share with us your most memorable experience playing a position other than catcher?
A: For Agnes Irwin, I have always been the catcher, but have played one game at shortstop. This year, Coach Pauley asked me to start pitching again, and to take up a few innings here and there. I would say that my most memorable experience not catching was this past summer when I was playing third base on Fourth of July in Colorado. The fireworks were going off behind the backstop, and it was quite the experience!
Q: After seeing an opposing hitter come to the plate a couple of times in a game, you probably have a better idea of what to throw to her late in a game. Can you give us an example of how this has worked in your favor?
A: One of the keys to being an impactful pitch caller is remembering all of the batters, and what they do each at bat. For each batter, I try to remember a particular pitch that was their weakness, and the pitch they got out on or hit. Then I utilize this during their next at bat to put my team in the best position to get an out.
Q: Where do you usually bat in the lineup? Does your batting approach change when you are moved up or down in the lineup order?
A: I usually bat fourth or fifth in the order. But, no matter what where I am in the lineup, my batting approach never changes. Whenever I walk up to the plate my goal is to hit the ball hard and make solid contact every time I swing, utilizing the whole field, from foul pole to foul pole.
Q: What do you think is the strongest part of your game? What part of your game are you working on the most currently?
A: I have always prided myself on my strong arm behind the plate, and how hard and far I could hit the ball. One of the strongest and most important parts of my game is my deep understanding of all of the aspects of the game. I have the knowledge to know where to throw certain batters, and how to adjust the infield and outfield accordingly. I don’t specifically work on a certain aspect of my game, as I feel as though there can always be improvements in any aspect of one’s game, because nothing is ever perfect. Everything is always a work in progress, and whenever I step on the field, I strive to be better than the previous time.
Q: Who have been your biggest softball mentors, and what was the most important thing each of them taught you?
A: My parents have naturally been my biggest supporters, coming to every game and cheering me on. They’ve taught me how to have dignity in defeat, and to always remain humble in victory. Whenever I need a ride to the batting cages or the gym, or somebody to simply have a catch with, they are always there for me. I’ve also had so many great softball coaches from the time that I was little up until now, who have taught me everything that I know. I would have to say that my biggest mentor has been my batting instructor, Mike DeCarlo. Not only does Mike help me perfect my swing, but he also shares with me his knowledge of the game, especially the mental aspect. He pushes me hard to be the best that I can be both on and off the field. Without his advice and expertise, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.
A: My pregame preparation is pretty much like a normal day for me. I wake up early before school to either work out or hit. This helps me get ready for my day, and get my body moving. Then I just have the normal day at school with classes and studying. I do have to admit that I am a very superstitious person. When I put my uniform on I have to put my socks on a certain way, and my uniform on in a certain order. Right before the game, I like to just stay loose, and have fun with my teammates whether its listening to music or laughing about something funny that’s happened at school that day.
Q: What (to you) has been the highlight (most memorable moment) of your Agnes Irwin softball career?
A: I personally don’t have a specific highlight of my career at Agnes Irwin. To me, its just an honor and privilege to be able to step out on that field everyday and play the game that I love. There are so many people who aren’t able to do so because of injuries and what not, therefore every time I do so is a blessing and highlight in itself.
Q: Why did you choose Syracuse University? What do you think you might want to major in? Is there a particular career path that interests you at the present time?
A: I chose to commit to Syracuse for many reasons. They have an amazing School of Business, which I would like to go to because I am very interested in finance and the economics of business. Plus, Syracuse is well known as a school with a strong athletic program that keeps academics a priority. But I remember walking on the campus for the first time, nerves and everything, ready to go to the softball camp. Words can’t describe how anxious I was, playing through multiple case scenarios in my head. I vividly remember putting on my catcher’s gear and helmet, waiting for the pitcher to start warming up. Suddenly all of the nerves went away, and I felt like I was at home. I felt like this is the best place for me to learn and succeed, that’s when I knew I wanted to go to Syracuse.
Q: Do you participate in any other extracurricular activities at Agnes Irwin? What sparked your interest in these activities?
A: At Agnes Irwin I am in various clubs that educate me on business finance, including Invest in Girls and Business Leadership Club. I am also the Vice President of The Hives for Lives Non-Profit. This year I did try something new; I decided to join the winter crew team. Working out, lifting weights, and training has always been a passion of mine; therefore I decided to join Crew. I ended up doing really well at our competition, and can’t wait to row again next year.
Fun facts – Michala Maciolek
Favorite TV show: One Tree Hill.
Favorite movie: The Harry Potter Series.
Favorite athlete: Mike Trout.
Favorite pre-game pump-up song: All I Do Is Win by DJ Khaled.
Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.
Favorite place to visit: Ocean City, N.J.
Favorite color: Purple.
Person you most admire, and why: “Ronda Rousey because her hard work and her campaigning for equal pay for women is inspiring.”
Birth date: Aug. 13, 1999 in Wynnewood.
(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)
