Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent

When she isn’t studying or playing softball, Richmond Hill’s Maggie Reynolds can be found painting and doing crafts. Along with softball, the two hobbies have both been staples in her life.

“I started painting and doing crafts when I was very young,” recalled Reynolds. “My nana (Vickie Souza) had always been very good at painting so anytime I would visit that was my go-to thing.

“Between work, school and softball I try to make time for it as much as possible. My favorite thing to do is paint pottery such as plates, bowls and small dishes so I can also put them to use.”

This fall, Reynolds also plans to put her softball talents to good use. The senior second baseman, who hit .378 with seven doubles and 18 RBIs last season, figures to be a prominent player in the Wildcats’ plans.

Head coach Chris Jenkins has watched her steady progress over the years.

“Maggie has produced at the varsity level from the time she stepped on campus, many of them in big moments,” said Jenkins. “She drove in the game-winning run in her first varsity start her freshman year, hitting the game-winning home run in a big region series versus Lowndes her sophomore year, and a base hit that broke the game open against North Paulding last year in the Elite Eight.”

Jenkins knew Reynolds wasn’t happy with her early performances.

“She did not hit the ball up to her expectations for part of her sophomore season,” said Jenkins.”But those struggles drove her to put in extra work and has helped shape her into the hitter she is today. She will be a major part of our offense this year.”

Reynolds has spent the past few years working on her hitting.

“I have focused on hitting,” said Reynolds. “As I’ve gotten older and more comfortable my swing has been something I’ve felt I could critique on my own.

“I had a hitting coach my freshman year of high school who did move away so I’m not going to lessons anymore. A lot of the tips and drills she had me doing in the past I still keep in mind while working on my swing by myself. I would definitely say she shaped my swing into what it is today even though I haven’t been going to lessons since.”

Reynolds began playing T-ball at age six and softball two years later. She joined a travel team and took the game more seriously when she started playing for the Angels Shuman team, where she had a two-year stay.

When she arrived at high school, Reynolds didn’t have any major trepidations. She has appreciated her coaches as well as playing with a number of the same girls over the years.

“I started to feel confident and comfortable with softball going into my freshman year of high school,” said Reynolds, who also plays on the school’s slow-pitch team. “I couldn’t choose one specific person that has been my biggest influence but I’ve been playing softball with a lot of the same girls since I have started.

“I think that we have all influenced and pushed each other to be better people and athletes. My favorite softball memory was being able to compete with my best friends at the Elite Eight last season

Over the past year, Reynolds had extended her off-the-field hobby at the school.

“I have also gotten into ceramics through the school,” said Reynolds. “I have made clay pieces based on movies and animals.”