St. Mary’s County’s Ava Chadwick Up For Sports Illustrated Player Of The Year

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — St. Mary’s County has produced its fair share of talented athletes over the years, but few have put together a senior season quite like St. Mary’s Ryken standout Ava Chadwick.

Now, the Southern Maryland native is hoping her hometown community can help push her across one more finish line.

Chadwick is currently in the running for Sports Illustrated Maryland Softball Player of the Year award, sitting in fourth place among 12 finalists after a season that saw her establish herself as one of the state’s most dangerous hitters.

The Ryken third baseman finished her senior campaign batting an eye-popping .718, posting a .765 on-base percentage, launching five home runs, collecting nine extra-base hits, driving in 35 runs and scoring 20 times. She was also named WCAC Co-Player of the Year, becoming the first non-pitcher to earn the honor since 2019.

Even with the accolades, Chadwick admits the recognition caught her off guard.

“When I found out, I was in shock,” she said. “I didn’t know I would be considered for an accolade like that. I put in a lot of work this season. I didn’t get the Washington Post selection this year, so getting this one is validation that I really got this.”

For Chadwick, her breakout season wasn’t an accident.

She credits a more disciplined routine, programmed training and the guidance of her coaches for helping her elevate her game during her final year at Ryken.

“I think being my senior season, I wanted to go out with a bang,” she said. “I had a better routine and some programmed training, and the training program reflected in my results. I definitely want to shout out my coaches.”

Ironically, Chadwick says her love for softball didn’t fully blossom until she stepped away from it.

She first picked up a bat at 6 years old, but after years of constant competition, she reached a point before her junior year where the game began to feel more like work than fun.

“I had to take a break because it felt like softball had taken over my life,” she said. “Coming back from that break made me realize how much I really enjoyed it and how much I missed it. It made me want to double down.”

Along the way, Chadwick says several coaches played pivotal roles in her development, including Gold Coast Hurricanes head coach Kenny Magersupp, assistant coach Carlos Hall and St. Mary’s Ryken assistant coach Steve Fellner.

Representing St. Mary’s Ryken has also carried special meaning.

“Our coaches always say that you represent something great,” Chadwick said. “Ryken has always had a strong reputation for producing talent, and I was proud to be part of that. The values of hard work and grit really stick with you.”

As she prepares to continue her softball career at Virginia Wesleyan University, soon to become Batten University, Chadwick hopes younger athletes remember one lesson above all else.

“Embrace failure,” she said. “You can miss seven out of 10 balls and still be an all-star because it’s a hard game. It teaches you confidence, and it teaches you how to deal with failure in the real world. Even the greats have struck out before.”

Chadwick said earning Sports Illustrated Maryland Player of the Year would mean more than just another trophy.

“I was born and raised in St. Mary’s County. I’ve lived here my whole life,” she said. “I know St. Mary’s is close-knit, and I think voting for me would really reinforce that belief I’ve had growing up. It would mean the world to me and my family.”

For Chadwick, the award represents more than individual recognition.

It’s another opportunity for Southern Maryland to rally behind one of its own.

Votes can be submitted here.

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