Skyview’s softball leader inspires on and off the field

Maddie Milhorn of Skyview is one of the most accomplished softball players in Southwest Washington history.

Maddie Milhorn is one of the best softball players in the Northwest, but teachers and coaches are more impressed with her commitment to her teammates and classmates, and the school is united in rooting for Skyview as the Storm head to the Class 4A state tournament

Paul Valencia
Clark County Today

A teacher who has nothing to do with the school’s softball team, other than being a big fan, wanted to make sure that Maddie Milhorn was known for more than her athletic abilities.

“She is a better person than a softball player,” the teacher told Clark County Today.

Considering Milhorn is one of the most accomplished softball players in Southwest Washington history, that is certainly a compliment. This year, Milhorn has a 0.43 ERA from the pitching circle, plus she has hit nine home runs with a batting average better than .550.

Milhorn the softball player is closing in on the end of an incredible high school career. She and the Skyview Storm left school late Thursday morning, heading to Richland for the Class 4A state softball tournament. The Storm are the top seed in the tournament, which will be held Friday and Saturday.

Skyview softball players received quite the send-off from students and staff Thursday on the way to the Class 4A state tournament. Skyview is the top seed in the tournament. Photo by Paul Valencia

Yes, it has been softball that has brought a specific spotlight to Milhorn. At Skyview High School, she is known for so much more than softball, though. She is part of Unified Sports, a program that brings people with and without disabilities together on the same teams. She is an advocate for all of her classmates.

“I feel like everyone should feel included,” Milhorn said. “That’s really important to me. My impact as a person is more important than my impact as an athlete will ever be. I make sure everyone feels included, and we’re all wanted. Everyone should have their moment. Everyone should have friends. I lean on people, and they lean on me. I’m there for everyone.”

It is that philosophy, even more than her talent on the field, that makes her a leader.

“She’s an insanely gifted, hard-working athlete. You just feel so lucky to kind of go along the ride with a kid like that,” Skyview coach Kim Anthony said. “Hopefully you’ve helped her grow along the way as an athlete and as a person.”

Milhorn has been in the spotlight since her freshman year. The buzz around her talent has increased every year.

“She gets so much attention,” Anthony said, “and to remain as humble as she is and to always look outside herself, it’s super impressive.”

Skyview will open the state tournament at 11 a.m. Friday with a game against No. 16 Yelm. The winner will play in the quarterfinals at 5 p.m. Friday. The semifinals and final, should Skyview get there, are Saturday.

No matter the results, Milhorn’s high school career will be done in two days.

“Win or lose, I’ve made so many memories with this team. I’m sorry, I’m going to be emotional,” she said, thinking back on her years at Skyview. “All of these girls are my best friends. I’m going to miss living life alongside them. It’s been such a blessing to be around them every day.”

Naturally, the goal is to win a state championship. The Storm also understand that the journey is as rewarding as any trophy, though.

“We’re just creating the last memories,” Milhorn said of this final weekend. “We have lots of laughter. We have lots of love. Win or lose, I’m with my best friends one last time. We’re going to go out there and play with heart.”