Mahomet Family Dentistry Athlete of the Week: Madeleine Cortez

Despite the team’s challenging season, Mahomet-Seymour’s senior Madeleine Cortez has consistently demonstrated her skills, making her our Athlete of the Week.

Cortez’s season began with promise as she contributed significantly in the team’s early games. On March 12, against Tolono Unity, Cortez showcased her prowess by hitting a double and driving in two runs, despite the team’s loss. 

The highlight of Cortez’s season came on March 16 in a high-scoring thriller against Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond. Cortez was unstoppable, going 4-for-4, including two home runs, and scoring five runs. Her remarkable performance, however, was not enough to secure a win in the closely contested 24-23 loss.

Cortez’s momentum continued into the doubleheader against Galesburg on March 23, where she scored five runs over two games, contributing to the Bulldogs’ offensive explosion that saw them scoring a combined total of 37 runs. 

On March 30, Cortez was instrumental in snapping the team’s two-game losing streak with a 14-2 victory over Peoria Richwoods. She hammered her team-leading third home run of the spring and stole three bases, showcasing her versatility and aggressive base running. 

Despite the team’s struggles, including shutout losses to Effingham and a tough 5-1 defeat against Centennial, Cortez continued to be a bright spot for Mahomet-Seymour. In each game, her contributions, whether scoring the team’s sole run against Centennial or being one of the few to hit against strong pitching, Cortez’s resilience and skill have shone through.