Utah native becoming a standout at USUE

This archived article was written by: Jarrett Hunt

Sophomore softball player from Manti, Utah, Madi Blauer is excited for the spring. “The team looks very good this year and it should be a great spring semester, we have made many improvements and have been working very hard, this spring will be our proof of that,” she said. Blauer played centerfield and was a four-year letterer and a two-time state champion while at Manti High School. “Winning a state championship is a feeling unlike any other, it’s very surreal and filled with excitement. All I wanted to do after was hug my mom.”
Blauer would like to thank her mom for always supporting her and being at all her games. “My mom has pushed me to be the best softball player I can be. When I play, I do it for her, she loves the game as much as I do and I love to see the joy it brings to her.”
Softball has taught Blauer that the situation is always as good as you make it, and the importance of never giving up, no matter the circumstances. An attribute she used this fall when the Eagles faced D1 opponent Utah State University. The Eagles were down 6-0, but the bases were loaded for Blauer, she took advantage of the opportunity and smashed a ball over the centerfield fence. This grand slam made it a game again, a game that was eventually won by the Eagles.
“I usually slap hit, but got the green light to swing away,” she said. This grand slam was the first home run that Blauer has hit. Speed and contact is her usual forte, but she says, “don’t be surprised when I hit another dinger this spring.”
Price has become home for Blauer, she likes the small college and being able to know almost everyone on campus. “I have made such great friends here in Price and made memories that will last a lifetime. I wouldn’t trade my time in Price for anything.” A small town is something the Manti native is used to.
Being an athlete from a small town is a tough obstacle to overcome. Small town schools are often overlooked as are their athletes. This didn’t stop Blauer from beating and competing with 4A and 5A teams in high school. Blauer hopes to continue playing softball and representing Manti after her time at Eastern. “ Coming from a small town has motivated me to give my all, not many people from Manti get the opportunity to play at the collegiate level and I want to represent my town as best I can.”