Big All-City softball: Yukon's Madi Ellis comes back from injury to win Player of the Year honor

“It was a really challenging year,” Ellis said. “With the team we had coming back, I don't think a lot of people expected us to get back to where we did.”

Ellis said she should've sat out her entire junior season, but she came back for regionals because she couldn't bear to be away from the game any longer.

“It killed me sitting on the bench,” she said. “It was awful.”

Now, Ellis could be looking at playing time early in Stillwater.

“I don't have any idea where I'll play,” Ellis said. “Hopefully third but maybe I'll catch a little bit. I'll do whatever I can. But I think if I can prove I can hit, that I'll play pretty quick.”

Ellis credits Yukon coach Heather Shanahan with getting her ready to play in college after the injury.

“She demanded more of us,” Ellis said. “Our previous coach kind of expected it, but we really didn't have any consequences. Coach, she makes sure every one of us was perfect in just about everything. I've never practiced that much in my life.”