In a late afternoon ceremony hosted in the Escalon High School theater on Nov. 12, senior Madi Babasa took a huge step toward her future. The softball and basketball standout athlete, seated on stage surrounded by softball memorabilia and flanked by her mom Maria and dad Michael, signed her Letter of Intent to play collegiate softball at the University of Arizona. She will move on following high school graduation to play for the Wildcats at the Division I school, earning a spot in one of the country’s best DI softball programs.
“You know and all the parents and all these teammates and coaches and these family members here know the time and know the dedication that it took to get to this point,” Escalon High School Athletic Director Andrew Beam said in welcoming the crowd and congratulating the senior. “As you start to finish out, Madi, your senior year in these sports, I hope you take the time to reflect on how special it has been and enjoy it, these last three to fourth months while you can, because it’s going to turn from a family like atmosphere of being at Escalon High School into a business.”
With a 4.2 GPA and natural athletic ability, Babasa has been a key member of both the varsity softball and varsity basketball teams throughout her time as a Lady Cougar.
Head varsity softball coach Caitlin Schulte was unable to attend the ceremony but sent in some remarks, which were read by Beam.
“Today is an incredibly special day for our Escalon family; we are celebrating an accomplishment that has been years in the making,” Schulte wrote. “Madi and the Babasa family have strong ties to the Escalon softball community; I have fond memories of Madi as a little girl, running around the softball field right outside, watching her sisters play and compete for the Purple and Gold. Fast forward and that little girl is one of the best ever to come out of Escalon High School. Her passion, love and drive for the game have flourished into a standout career.”
Her basketball coach, Joseph Dalpogetti, also took a turn at the podium, noting that he has coached Madi for five years, going back to her time with the El Portal basketball team. He also apologized in advance, saying he likely would get emotional during his remarks.
“Today is one of those moments that remind us exactly why we coach; when we get to celebrate a young athlete who has worked relentlessly, sacrificed deeply and earned every bit of what’s in front of her,” Dalpogetti said.
He went on to say it was fitting to watch Madi sign to play softball at the University of Arizona, one of the best programs in the nation.
“Anyone who has ever watched Madi compete knows she belongs on that stage,” Dalpogetti said. “For those of you who only know her as a softball player, let me let you in on something. She’s also been one of the most competitive, hard-nosed basketball players that I’ve ever coached.”
Telling the crowd of family, friends and coaches in attendance that Madi didn’t plan on playing basketball in high school, Dalpogetti said he got the last laugh there, but has continued to be impressed by the standout student-athlete, on and off the court and the field.
“But what makes Madi special goes far beyond her ability to hit, throw or score. It’s about who she is,” explained Dalpogetti. “Someone who inspires without even trying, who leads with heart just as much as talent and drive, she’s the kind of athlete every coach hopes to have. The one who makes the team better, who sets the tone, who never asks for attention but earns every ounce of it. She listens when it’s time to listen, she leads when it’s time to lead and she competes like it’s the last game she’ll ever play.”
Her hitting instructor Brandi Harrison and her travel team Sorcerers 18U coach Pete Aguayo also offered remarks and shared some words of guidance and encouragement.
When all the speeches were concluded, Madi took pen in hand and formally signed her Letter of Intent, with her parents looking on, and the audience applauding their approval.
“It’s like a relief, and just the feeling is really nice and exciting,” Madi said of how she felt following the ceremony. “It’s just a relief for me and my family because we’ve been working so hard to get to this point and it’s just really nice to be here and finally officially be signed.”
And though she has played on travel teams and competed for years, she admitted her favorite memory of her time in sports actually came on the hardwood.
“Definitely our Section (finals) game for basketball, that was a good one,” she noted of what game she remembers the most. “Even though we fell short, I think it was definitely good to experience that and it was just a good feeling.”
Madi is the youngest of five Babasa children, with several of her siblings also involved in sports. She said she also learned from them and is eager for what lies ahead.
“I’m just looking forward to all the culture, and the traditions and stuff,” she said of immersing herself in the University of Arizona experience. “On my visit, they were so down to earth and I’m excited … they’re very family oriented and I’m just really excited for that, to be a part of the family.”
