Former Rochelle Lady Hub softball standout Maddi O’Rorke worked behind the dish as a catcher for the Rochelle Township High School varsity team. When O’Rorke took the field for her freshman season with Kishwaukee College earlier this year, O’Rorke served multiple roles across the diamond, working not only behind the plate, but in the field for the Lady Kougars.

O’Rorke appeared in 24 games with Kishwaukee College this season, recording a .250 batting average with 12 hits including two home runs. O’Rorke, who finished with a .321 on-base percentage and a .375 slugging percentage, totaled six RBIs, 11 runs, five stolen bases and three walks in 48 at-bats. O’Rorke is one of four Lady Kougar freshmen who could return next season.  

“I felt like I performed really well,” O’Rorke said. “I was placed in positions I have never played before and I thought I did very well. I felt like my fielding skills improved, but I feel like I could improve my hitting for next season. My goal for next season is to play better than I did this season and continue improving. The experience has been fun and I’ve met a lot of new people.”

O’Rorke, who’s currently studying criminal justice in hopes of becoming a game warden in Wisconsin, said she wasn’t originally planning on competing for the Lady Kougars when she chose to attend Kishwaukee College. But after receiving a message from her head coach encouraging her to try out, O’Rorke said she enjoyed her first year of collegiate softball.

“I enjoyed being with my teammates the most,” O’Rorke said. “They really made me feel like we were a family. I made a lot of new friends this season. I wasn’t expecting to join the team, but my coach encouraged me to try out and I ended up really enjoying my experience.”