Purcellville, Va. – Woodgrove High School junior Maxine Barnes has made an early verbal commitment to continue her softball career at St. John’s University starting in the 2019-2020 school year.
“My whole life I’ve been waiting for this,” the 5-foot-9 Barnes said. “In reality, it is super exciting but now it’s time to even work harder, to be better than I was before.”
[adrotate banner=”9″]In 2017, the Division I Red Storm – led by head coach Amy Kvilhaug – finished with a historic 32-win season. In her eleventh season, the team set a number of program records including a fourth-straight appearance in the Big East championship, a record of 17 conference wins with a .667 winning percentage and claimed the 2017 title as the Big East regular season champions. Coach Kvilhaug was also the force behind her group winning the Big East Coaching Staff of the Year.
“My hope is to be an impact player,” said Barnes, who was recruited as a catcher and utility player. “I am comfortable playing anywhere on the field and just want to be a part, contribute and grow as a collegiate athlete.”
Barnes is grateful for the opportunity to get to improve and play the game she loves at the next level, while attending college in a location she loves.
“I like the school’s location and academically it has a strong, traditional education with a great athlete support system,” Barnes said.
The catcher has been playing softball for the past 11 years but says it’s more about the intensity she has played with over the years that means the most to her.
“I play softball because I love this sport. I know that’s a simple answer, but it really isn’t,” said Barnes. “It’s the truest answer anyone could ever tell you.”
Barnes feels fortunate for all the support, guidance and instruction she has received over the years but it is her mother who is her ultimate role model.
“No matter how tight money was she did everything she could to support me,” Barnes said. “I wouldn’t have been able to say I was a committed athlete without her help. My mother is my role model, my hero and my everything. If I grow up to be even half the women she is I would be extremely lucky.”
Barnes plays for Woodgrove High School’s softball program and credits Coach Joe Spicer for having the most influence on her as a player.
“I am fortunate to be a part of a winning program,” the Wolverine said. “Coach Spicer has created a dynasty of softball through the years of player development. He’s always had my back and has made me a better person and athlete.”
Barnes said it is an honor to represent her softball team and Woodgrove High School.
“Max is one of the finest athletes at Woodgrove High School,” Spicer said. “Super-fast with a cannon for a right arm–she is a real standout for our program. She also has a bright smile and is super funny all the time. A great get for any softball program.”
Barnes has been playing softball for eleven years and has earned many accolades playing for Woodgrove and for her club softball team – Team SC – including:
- 2017 VHSL Conference 21A First Team
- 2017 VHSL 4A West Region First Team
- 2017 VHSL 4A State First Team
- 2017 Cheers and LoCoSports All-LoCo First Team
- 2017 VHSL 4A State Champion
- 2017 Softball Factory/Under Armour National 18U Team
- 2016 VHSL 4A State Champion
“I will only be a junior this coming season so my goal for the season as a team is to win the district, region and state,” Barnes said. “As a player I would like to earn 1st team honors. A four peat for the team my senior year would be amazing!”
The Purcellville-native said she learned from her mother that to go anywhere in life you have to work hard and not depend on anyone else to push you.
“I still have goals in front of me. I would love to achieve honors in softball collegiately as an athlete and as a team,” Barnes said. “Doesn’t every girl who plays this awesome game dream of playing in the Olympics? I will tryout and I’ll work as hard as I can to achieve the dream because through dedication anything can be achieved.”
