Feature Photo by Piedmont University

Just a few years back, Madi Cronic put the finishing touches on a remarkable high school career at Banks County. The state champion headed off to West Georgia, but her two-year stint there featured a torn labrum that required surgery, and all of 15 at-bats. It was the start of her journey to Piedmont University and rekindling the love she had for the game.

“I wanted to be somewhere where I felt like I mattered,” says Cronic. “I hated softball when I left West Georgia and knew I needed to be somewhere that would help me love the game again. When I got here, it was hard at first adjusting to everything. New coaches, girls, routines…but within the first few months, I immediately felt like I mattered so much more than I ever did during my two years at West Georgia. The girls and coaches have been amazing and I’m honestly so grateful life led me here.”

Cronic had suffered the labrum injury in year one, earning a medical redshirt. She then got only 15 ABs as a redshirt-freshman, getting a hit, run, and RBI. There was so much more in the tank for the star infielder. Despite that immediate culture change that had her motivated, she had a quick setback ahead of the 2024 season that was potentially devastating – a partially-torn UCL.

“Suffering an injury right after one of the first practices in the spring was extremely challenging,” she says. “I was so excited to start a new journey in life and I felt like in a way it was being taken away from me. After already missing my freshman year because of shoulder surgery, and having a horrible experience my sophomore year, I wanted to do everything I could to play. My coaches and trainers were amazing and worked with me to do everything we could to keep my pain to a minimum so I could still play.”

Cronic elected to play through it, and started 31 of the 33 games she appeared in. She hit .204 on the season with a homer, 11 RBI, 13 runs, and three doubles. She was solid defensively, posting a .943% FLD.

“Whenever I found out my UCL was partially-torn, I was given the option to let it heal itself, have surgery to fix it, or continue playing with it torn. After already having one season taken away because of an injury, I didn’t want to go through that again. I would rather go through some pain for a few seasons and have the rest of my life to let it heal than miss out on what could be some of the best memories in life. I’ve even had several teammates ask if I’m ever scared it’ll tear all the way, but it’s something I don’t even think about. I just want to play the game I love. I only have a few years left and I want to be able to walk away from this game one day knowing I gave it everything I had.”

Cronic earned CCS All-Academic Team honors for the 2024 season, and headed into 2025 with the same plan – play with the UCL injury in hopes of being in minimal pain, and contributing at a high level. So far, so good. The graphics design major is batting .286 with five RBI, a run, a double, and near-perfect defense so far.

“My goals for this season are to just enjoy every little moment. Since my UCL is only partially-torn, everyday I have the risk of tearing it all the way. I try to give it my all every game just in case the worst happens and I can no longer play. With my injury, I’m still not sure if I’m going to take my fifth year but like I tell my parents every time they ask, ‘I’ll worry about it when the time comes.’

For now, Cronic takes the field knowing each game is special. Through the adversity and setbacks, she has not only become a better athlete for it, but is set up to have wisdom that will carry her through the ups and downs of life beyond softball.

“I feel like sports in general teach us so many lessons that we’ll use for the rest of our life. With my story, I feel like it’s taught me so much. It’s taught me to push through hard times and to try to find the positive in bad situations. Some days suck and I’m in so much pain – whether that’s my shoulder, elbow, or both. However, I’m beyond grateful that I’m still able to play, and at the end of the day the pain I go through is so worth it.”

Cronic’s stat-line at Piedmont includes batting .217 with 1 HR, 16 RBI, 14 R, 4 2B, and 3 SB. At Banks County, she was a two-time All-State selection who finished with a .443 average (171 hits), nine homers, 76 RBI, 100 runs scored, and four All-Region selections. She is in the BLITZ Hall of Fame.