For St. Hubert catcher,
it’s all in the family

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

When St. Hubert defeated Little Flower, 4-1, in the softball semifinals on May 24, catcher Mariellen Medernach thought it was the best feeling in the world.
But when she saw her parents cheering her on from the sidelines, the feeling got even better.
The Medernach family has been part of the Bambie team for more than a decade. Mariellen’s father, Leo, coached the squad for 12 years before stepping down in 2005. Her mother Joanne helped with the coaching and scorekeeping.
"My dad has been my coach as long as I can remember, up until my sophomore year at Hubert," said Mariellen. "He’s said to me that he needs to be a little bit harder on me, but it’s a good thing because it makes me work harder. It really helped me, too, because now that he’s not my coach anymore, I know I can do it myself.
"Softball is really what has allowed us to become so close," she continued. "My parents have always been supportive of me. They are always cheering me on."
Mariellen’s support from her parents definitely influenced the senior catcher to perform her best on the softball diamond.
But her determination and skill didn’t hurt, either.
"Mariellen does a great job behind the plate," said coach Dave Schafer. "She’s very enthusiastic and reliable. I’m confident with her catching, and I think she’s a very talented ballplayer."
After serving primarily as a designated hitter last season, Mariellen got a chance to prove her skills this year, and she shined like a star. The Somerton resident has helped the Bambies achieve a 16-6 record this season, which includes their current eight-game winning streak.
"I didn’t play a lot until this year," she said. "So it’s really awesome to have such a great season. This is something I’ve been waiting for four years now, and I’m so thrilled that it finally happened."
Along with their personal accomplishments, the Bambies squad achieved a bit of school history when they got past the first round of the playoffs for the first time in eight years.
"I’m so happy for the kids because they are having a great season," said Schafer. "They’re focused and playing really well together. They’ve really stepped up to the plate this year, and I’m proud of them."
Between Schafer and her father Leo, Mariellen has plenty of mentors and coaches to help her game.
But they also have taught her how to help others.
"I’ve learned a lot during my time on this team," said Mariellen. "And I’m really proud of myself. Especially because a lot of girls on the team tell me how I helped them, and it makes me feel great."
"Our team is really close," she continued. "We all push each other. That’s what you need on a team. It’s a great feeling to know you can talk openly with your teammates and help each other play better. Everything we do together motivates me as a player."
Mariellen is savoring every moment she has left alongside her fellow Bambies, because in a few weeks she’ll be leaving St. Hubert and moving on to Chestnut Hill College to study forensics and psychology.
"I’m so sad to leave St. Hubert," said Mariellen. "The team has gotten so close over the season and it’s going to be so sad to leave everyone. I’m very glad I chose Hubert, and especially the softball program. These girls are my best friends and they really made this year special."
As if leaving her friends and teammates behind after graduation wasn’t enough, Mariellen will have to say goodbye to her two biggest fans.
"I’m really excited for college and to live away, but I’m also extremely sad to leave my parents. Me and my mom are very close, so she’s really emotional about me moving away to school. We went up to visit and she cried a lot that day," Mariellen said with a laugh. "I know they’ll miss me but it’s not that far, so I’ll see them a lot. I know they’ll be at every game."
"This is something I need to do," she continued. "I need to learn independence."
And as long as mom and dad continue their tradition of watching Mariellen in action, her future days with the Griffins should be a success.
"Seeing my mom and dad at every game really motivates me," said Mariellen. "It makes me push myself and play harder. Softball has always been something that me and my parents have that makes us really close. We all love the game, and it’s great when we all enjoy it together." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com