Great range into the hole. The ability to move well to the right and left. Having a strong and accurate throwing arm.
These are some of the key attributes that make an excellent defensive shortstop.
Omaha’s Maggie O’Brien, to name one.
The Palos Heights resident guided the Mavericks to a 40-13 overall record this season as well as a berth in the NCAA Norman Regional hosted by Oklahoma. She also was honored as the Summit League’s Defensive Player of the Year.
“Winning this award definitely means a lot,” O’Brien said. “It really shows all the hard work over the years has paid off and I take a lot of pride in my defense.
“I think winning this is a testament to the team and how we believed in the importance of defense around Omaha softball.”
The 2021 Marist graduate started all 53 games this season and posted a fielding percentage of .938 with 68 assists and 52 putouts.
“I think what makes a good defensive shortstop is being kind of proactive,” O’Brien said. “It’s always knowing where you’re going to go with the ball. I think shortstop is one of the most mental positions on the field because there’s so much you have to do and so much you have to remember out there.
“As a shortstop, you’re the director of the infield and you’re also communicating that stuff with the outfield. It’s always being on your toes and being active. Knowing where you’re going to go with the ball is the most important thing.”
O’Brien also excelled at the plate this season. She was first on the team in runs (37) and stolen bases (12 in 13 attempts), second in hits (53) and third in doubles (12) and batting average (.305). O’Brien also drove in 24 runs.
In the classroom, O’Brien graduated in three years with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a minor in marketing before earning an MBA in her fourth year on the Omaha campus.
“I think my strength comes down to the way I play the game and the way I compete,” O’Brien said. “I’m just a very intense player and I bring a lot of energy and passion to the game.
“That sums up the player I am and my offense and my defense follow that pattern. I’m a competitor out there and I love to win and … I love to help my team in any way I can. Being competitive is very natural for me. I’ve always grown up in sports and wanted to be good and worked really hard. I think that just comes pretty naturally to me so I’m excited that I have that trait to go off of.”
● St. Francis junior catcher Jake Merda (St. Laurence) was named to the All-Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference First Team.
Merda hit a team-best .336 with eight doubles, two triples, two home runs and 24 RBIs.
Teammate Max Montgomery, also a St. Laurence graduate, was one of five USF players to receive Gold Glove honors for the first time in their careers. The Saints’ second baseman, Montgomery had 77 assists and 110 putouts for a .969 fielding percentage.