2012 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Started all 53 games as the designated player • had a .262 batting average with a .381 on-base percentage • named Big Ten Freshman of the Week once (Feb. 27) • notched first career hit against CSU Bakersfield (Feb. 12) • belted first career home run versus Illinois State (Feb. 18) • began a seven-game hit streak against Iowa State (Feb. 19) • had a career day against Iowa State (Feb. 19) by going 2-for-4 with the two hits being homers and tallying four RBI • went 6-for-11 with four RBI at the Carolina Classic (Feb. 24-26) and was named to the All-Tournament Team • also received Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors on February 27 for her efforts at the Carolina Classic • snapped hitting streak against Ohio (Mar. 3) • started a season-long hit streak of eight games against Illinois (Mar. 24) • went 3-for-4 with a double and three RBI in the series finale against Illinois (Mar. 24) • hit 4-for-10 with a double and two RBI during the Nebraska series (Mar. 31-Apr.1) • had hitting streak snapped against Green Bay (Apr. 11) • tallied a run and a RBI in the series opener against Northwestern (Apr. 14) without recording an official at bat, due to three walks • knocked in two runs on a homer in the second game of a doubleheader against North Dakota State (Apr. 18) • went a perfect 3-for-3 while scoring two runs and receiving one RBI in the series opener against Penn State (Apr. 28). HIGH SCHOOL: 2011 graduate form Stillwater High School • two-time all-conference award winner (2009 and 2010) • voted Stillwater's most valuable player as a sophomore • led her high school team in home runs during junior year • five-time letter winner at Stillwater • coached by Bob Beedle • earned a roster spot on the Minnesota Sting Elite team.
GET TO KNOW MADIE ECKSTROM: Why the University of Minnesota? I really loved the campus, and it was just "right" for me.
What is it like playing for Minnesota? It's tough, but that's what it's all about. If we want to win, we have got to be tough.
Favorite professor? Professor Linda Buturian. She's one of the most easy-going and creative professors around, and she is also very funny.
Pregame rituals/superstitions? I wear my Grandma's rosary because I feel more confident with it on. Also, sometimes if I have a good game or do something really well, then I will continue to do whatever I did before that game.
First softball memory? My first year playing, I was at first base. The third basemen threw the ball over, and I missed the catch and got hit smack dab in the eye.
Game/reality show you would like to be on? Minute to Win it
If you could choose one person (past or present) to eat lunch with, who would it be? Marilyn Monroe
Favorite thing to do in the Twin Cities? Valley Fair!
Favorite TV show as a kid? Sagwa the Siamese Chinese Cat
Bucket List Skydive Write a book Travel to Australia, Scotland and Ireland
