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VTChip

Joined: 11/07/1999 Posts: 24020
Likes: 38305


Thanks, Maddie, for the great memories


I have not posted for a few days because this latest transfer hit close to home, and those of you that know me understand that I never post critical things about any players or coach, nor will I post things that I may hear from a player or player’s parent that’s not public knowledge. And I’m not going to change now.

From a narrow-view-lineup perspective, the Hokies will be fine. Cameron Fagan is one of the highest rated recruits that VT softball has ever signed and may very well start as a freshman. There’s also some other pieces that can be moved around, especially with the landing of transfer Morgan Overaitis, so VT softball will be okay. For this post, I would just like to focus on Maddie.

Maddi Banks is one of the sweetest individuals you will EVER meet and she has a competitive spirit that is second to none. Personally, my wife and I were very fortunate to get to know Maddi and her family while she was at VT, and the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. We were so very proud of her performance in the Gulf Coast League that we drove to Florida a couple of weeks ago to cheer her on. She was so very appreciative and that alone made the long drive worth it. After her game, she sat in the stands with us and we watched Morgan Overitis play in her game. (BTW, Morgan is also a delightful young lady and will fit in great in the Hokie family). Maddie was her usual jovial self and, like always, was a delight to be around. She even talked about trying to recruit another player to transfer to Virginia Tech.

So this week’s transfer news hit came out of nowhere and hit us like a semi-truck. Maddie made a very tough decision to enter the portal, and – as I diehard Hokie fan – I hate it. I can’t tell you how much I hate it. BUT, BUT, BUT…she made the decision that she felt was the best one for her, and I support her 110%. There’s no need to discuss or debate her reasons, as she is a young adult and has earned the right to do whatever makes her happy. Those of US in the cheap seats simply have to wish her well.

She gave her all to VT while she was here and was a HUGE contributor while wearing the orange and maroon. She played in 77 gamers, starting 75 of them, scored 44 runs, and hit .285 for her career. More importantly, she handled 224 chances in the field almost flawlessly with a fielding percentage of .946. She represented Hokie Nation with class. She is certainly going to be missed.

I looked back through some of my videos and put together the linked video of 3 of her key plays that I will always remember – her “Little League HR” versus NC State last year (simply blazing speed), her next day’s traditional HR against the Wolfpack, and her home run in Clearwater this year against Minnesota, which helped propel the Hokies to the upset win. I wish I had saved more of her highlights. But regardless, I will always remember her laughter and her personality, and her love of those around her.

Best wishes, Maddie. You are a champion in the game of life and will always have a couple of orange and maroon fans wherever you land!!!

(In response to this post by tskillett)

Link: Go Maddie Go


Posted: 07/26/2020 at 2:59PM



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Current Thread:
 
  
Maddie Banks -- tskillett 07/23/2020 4:36PM
  Thanks, Maddie, for the great memories -- VTChip 07/26/2020 2:59PM
  Maddie -- VTalum3 07/26/2020 7:07PM
  Thanks, Chip. She always reminded me of Pete Rose -- Hockeydad 07/26/2020 4:09PM
  WTH ** -- HokieR 07/24/2020 10:18AM
  Are we now a AAA team that feeds the Top 10? ** -- UpperQuad 07/23/2020 10:56PM
  Top 10 -- Techdady 07/24/2020 01:29AM
  That is a tough blow. -- texashokie1 07/23/2020 10:41PM
  Free agent -- HokieMama18 07/24/2020 2:39PM
  Maybe. -- VT4Natty 07/24/2020 4:40PM
  Money -- Techdady 07/23/2020 6:10PM
  Money vs Risk -- VT_Alum2x 07/23/2020 9:00PM
  Playing time -- Techdady 07/24/2020 01:44AM
  It’s not about playing time -- VT4Natty 07/24/2020 09:20AM
  I suspect someone quietly tampered... -- HokieJack 07/24/2020 3:48PM
  Yeah. I am betting she got poached ** -- HokieR 07/24/2020 5:32PM
  I don’t think your a fan of Coach Pete ** -- texashokie1 07/24/2020 10:26PM
  Fan -- VT4Natty 07/25/2020 9:24PM
  Actually winning should be #1 -- texashokie1 07/25/2020 10:54PM
  Delete** -- Sportsman 07/24/2020 4:35PM
  No unfortunately -- VT4Natty 07/24/2020 4:35PM
  More -- Techdady 07/24/2020 6:18PM
  Hit -- Techdady 07/24/2020 8:09PM
  And the increased bat speed/power. ** -- VT One 07/26/2020 10:48PM
  Thanks for the advice to all of us -- VT_Alum2x 07/24/2020 10:33PM
  Advice -- Techdady 07/25/2020 07:46AM
  Was it switch hitter or slap hitter? -- RJHokie 07/24/2020 10:38PM
  Yes Slap not switch....sorry for the mistype. Thx ** -- VT_Alum2x 07/24/2020 10:43PM
  Months -- Techdady 07/24/2020 2:00PM
  Portal -- HokieMama18 07/24/2020 2:30PM
  Happiness -- VT4Natty 07/24/2020 4:38PM
  You might be onto something -- Hockeydad 07/26/2020 4:17PM
  I recall Pete mentioning the home run thing -- HokieR 07/29/2020 3:47PM
  I would tend to agree -- texashokie1 07/24/2020 10:22AM
  Re: Maddie Banks -- Sportsman 07/23/2020 5:30PM
  Not good. ** -- RJHokie 07/23/2020 5:07PM

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