By Jon Feyen
ScoutU 

The national pandemic has brought many athletic seasons to a halt. While there were no competitions going on, the recruiting process continued. Maddie Votsis (Milwaukee, WI) was able to navigate the spring and summer with ScoutU, and she recently committed to play softball for Wisconsin Lutheran College.

“I started helping Maddie at the end of February, right before COVID-19 hit,” ScoutU’s Jason Lauren said. “With her diligence following my advice and doing what she needed to do on her end, she had dozens of colleges show interest, despite her junior season being wiped out and many colleges not being able to recruit in person. She basically went through the recruiting process completely during the pandemic, and with her dedication she showed that athletes can still get recruited during these uncertain times.”

The 2021 C/IF owns great numbers both on and off the diamond. Her 3.99 weighted GPA and 31 ACT score meant that she’d have her choice of several fantastic schools.

“Wisconsin Lutheran College’s sports management program is very high quality and innovative,” Votsis said. “The lead professor has 28 years of experience within the industry and has built a network of connections, providing me great opportunities for focused learning and local internships. WLC stood out as the best place for me to perfect my craft both academically and athletically, all while building meaningful friendships and business connections. Since the first time I visited the campus, it felt right for me. Something inside was telling me that this was the place I needed to be.”

Behind the plate, Votsis boasts a 1.88 pop time and a 53 MPH throwing arm. She also booked a .424 batting average with the Whitnall Falcons during 2019.

“I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to play softball at the next level,” Votsis said. “This sport is something I have loved for the past 12 years, and it’s been my dream for a long while to continue playing for four more at the college level someday. Being able to commit to play at a school that I respected academically helped to solidify that ideal situation for me.”

Votsis had more than 40 colleges contact her in five months. Her family is grateful they had the opportunity to explore numerous options before finally choosing the best fit.

“ScoutU and Jason Lauren helped me gain the confidence I needed to devote my efforts toward my goal of playing college ball,” Votsis said. “Jason taught me about the specifics of the recruiting process and gave timely advice, making it easier for me to feel confident in the steps I was taking to market myself and connect with college coaches. Furthermore, he encouraged a wider exposure to schools that I never considered before, broadening my horizon and appreciation for many NAIA, NCAA schools and softball programs throughout the Midwest. Jason did a great job getting me exposure from colleges that matched what I was looking for in a school.”

Lauren prides himself in finding – and advising – these prospects on their way to achieving their college dreams. He looks forward to following her career at the next level.

“Maddie is a very bright young lady,” Lauren said. “She is a versatile player on the field with her speed, ability to switch hit, slap and play multiple positions. I’m sure she will do great things at Wisconsin Lutheran with her intelligence on and off the field.”