Jeff Chaney
Sports Scene
Even though her softball future is already mapped, Bullock Creek’s Maison Kalina is not about to rest on her laurels.
The junior catcher for the Lancers committed last summer to continue her playing career at Central Michigan University when she is done at Bullock Creek.
During her sophomore season, a season that caught the attention of legendary CMU coach Margo Jonker and resulted in a scholarship offer, Kalina batted .484 with 60 hits, nine doubles, two triples, and three homeruns. She was also stellar on defense, throwing out eight of 12 runners.
This season, she is batting .489 with 44 hits, 11 doubles, six triples, and three homeruns. She has been just as strong on defense, throwing out eight runners, including five during a tournament earlier this month.
Those stats have helped the Lancers to a 24-4 record, and her father, Darren Kalina, who doubles as her coach, is glad to have her behind the plate.
“She was born to play catcher,” Coach Kalina said. “We knew from day one. She did play six years at shortstop and pitcher, but in the eighth grade she went to catching full time. She has the mentality for it.
“She plays with pretty good energy,” he added. “Her arm is probably her greatest asset. She has been gifted. Not too many kids steal on us, so she doesn’t get more opportunities to throw out more.”
Playing catcher takes strong personality, as well as a strong body, because of the demanding mental and physical aspects of the position.
Along with being a leader on the diamond, a quarterback if you will, who touches the ball just about every pitch, playing behind the plate takes its toll on the body. Welts and sweat are common during a long season.
“You should see my legs now, I’m all beat up with bruises,” Maison said. “I just love it, though. I feel like I’m in control of the game and contribute to the team different than any other position — I love it. It’s not for everybody, because it is so physically demanding, but I love it.”
But even though the position is demanding, she plays it just about year-round.
“Occasionally, I play outfield, but mostly I’m behind the plate,” Maison said. “I will have a couple weeks break after the season, but then I have summer ball. My knees get achy, but it’s fun.”
Maison is hoping to extend Bullock Creek’s season as long as she can this year but knows it won’t be easy with the district the Lancers host.
“Our season is going great, I love the girls,” she said. “I think we can do well. We have worked really hard in the off-season as a team.
“I think it would be really cool to make a district, regional, or state final,” she added. “We have a tough district, though, with Swan Valley, Alma, and Mount Pleasant, so it won’t be easy.”
Even if Kalina and the Lancers don’t achieve their goals this year, she still has one more year of high school softball before moving to Mount Pleasant.
“For me, CMU has always been the No. 1 choice,” Maison said. “I’m looking forward to playing for coach Jonker. She is a legend and they have a great education department, and that is what I’m looking to get into, so CMU was a great choice.”
Added her father: “She really likes the coach. Coach Jonker is a legend in the college softball world; she gives the stability to the program, and it’s a good fit for Maison. We looked at the recruits and it looks strong to come, too. And they have a good education program, and that’s what she wants to be, an elementary teacher.”