College Trail: Jefferson's Hudson makes smooth transition to Division I softball

Addie Hudson's dream was to play softball for a Division I university.

She accomplished that goal last summer when she signed to play at Western Michigan University following a successful two-year run at Jackson College.

Now the newly branded Bronco wants to see just how fast she can run.

Hudson, a junior at WMU, has posted eye-popping numbers to start the season. The 2020 Jefferson graduate has made a seamless transition to the NCAA's highest level.

Through the first 18 games of the season heading into the Mid-American Conference opener against Bowling Green this week, Hudson leads her team with a .457 batting average. She has a team-leading 21 hits to go along with 5 runs and 5 RBI hitting mostly out of the No. 2 hole in the Bronco batting order

"I knew I had the potential to play, but just never being at this high of a level before, I didn't know what to expect," Hudson said. "I would've been happy with any role I was given, whether it was pinch running, playing the outfield, or just being a cheerleader in the dugout. This is my dream, so I was just happy to be here more than anything."

A slap hitter since her playing days at Jefferson, Hudson batted .465 with a .538 on-base percentage and scored 77 runs with 68 stolen bases in just 157 at-bats in her final season at Jackson.

"I performed pretty well at Jackson and coming here I never had doubts I could do it, but I knew the level of competition was so much higher," she said. "I didn't expect to put up similar numbers, but it's so early in the season it's tough to say these numbers will continue. I can only cross my fingers."

Hudson has the perfect mentor in new WMU head coach Jenny Rohn, who took over the job after Kathy Leitke retired last summer following a 22-year career as a Bronco.

Rohn is a Western graduate and also succeeded as a slap hitter for the Broncos' softball team.

"It's been great for me having that coaching from somebody who did the same thing," Hudson said. "I never had formal training in slapping, so having her has made a huge impact."

Rohn told Hudson in the offseason that she had a chance to make the starting lineup, but it would take work.

"Going into that first game, I was thinking, 'Did I work hard enough? Are they seeing my improvements?" Hudson said. "With such a talented group of young women around me, it was difficult to say whether it worked out or not because even on my best day, the girls next to me are just as talented."

Hudson started in centerfield in the season opener but was left out of the batting order. By Game Two, she was slotted into the lineup at No. 9 for the weekend series. Over those four games, she went 6-for-10 and solidified her role.

"Then our second weekend out, she (Rohn) talked to me and asked how I felt about batting second," Hudson said. "I'm completely comfortable with it. At Jackson, I always batted at the top of the lineup, so I'm comfortable batting there. I was excited to hear I had made an impact that was worthy of moving up in the lineup."

WMU is 6-12 overall to start the season and opens MAC play with a three-game series March 28-29 at Bowling Green before coming home for three games against Miami (Ohio).

Hudson is studying health and physical education.

"I'm ready to get out there and start MAC play," Hudson said. "That should be a huge step in the right direction. I'm really excited. Moral of the story is that I never really expected myself to be here, but now that I'm here, I might as well show up, show out."

* * *

Ryan Whaley made a splash in his freshman season diving for Delta State University.

Whaley finished in 15th place in the 3-meter diving competition at the NCAA Division II National Championship at Indiana University earlier this month.

The Erie Mason graduate scored 406.20.

Whaley also helped the Statesmen win their sixth straight New South Intercollegiate Swim Conference title in February. He placed fourth in the 1-meter diving competition with a score of 358.20.

* * *

Summerfield graduate Derek Clark broke the Northwood University school record for career strikeouts Saturday during a 4-2 win over Tiffin.

Clark ran his season record to 4-1 by tossing 8 innings. He gave up 5 hits, no earned runs, struck out 8 and walked one. He now has 197 career strikeouts, topping the record of 194 set by Tyler Jandron (2017-18).

* * *

Jefferson's Veronica Fitzgerald recently committed to continue her athletic career at the next level.

The Bear senior signed her letter of intent with Oakland University. Fitzgerald was the Huron League champion in the 800 last season and finished seventh at state. She also was part of the 3,200 relay team that finished third at state, and the 11th-place 1,600 relay team.

* * *

Do you know a local athlete who is excelling in college this year? Send us the details to sports@monroenews.com.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: College Trail: Jefferson's Hudson makes smooth transition to Division I softball