CHERRY TWP — Since age 4, Madisyn Clark has been a cheerleader.

The Moniteau senior participated in All-Star cheerleading in Butler and was a member of the competitive cheering team at Moniteau that reached the PIAA Competitive Spirit Championships this past winter.

But that wasn't Clark's only sport in high school — thanks to Sara Hull.

“She was like my big sister growing up,” Clark said. “Our families know each other really well. Sara is two years older than me and was on the softball team here.

“She talked me into giving it a try my freshman year. I had never played before.”

Clark won't stop playing anytime soon.

The Warriors' third baseman will continue her academic and softball career next year at Grove City. She plans to major in secondary education and hopes to become a high school math teacher.

Clark carries a 4.0 grade point average and is ranked fourth in her senior class.

“I looked at Edinboro and Clarion, too, before deciding on Grove City,” Clark said. “Their education program is outstanding and it's a strong academic school.

“I visited there and thought the campus was gorgeous. And the bond I noticed between the coaching staff and the players ... I'm looking forward to being a part of that.”

Also a Moniteau football cheerleader, Clark considered trying to do college cheerleading as well, “but I thought it'd be a little too much.

“I'll have plenty to focus on,” she added.

Clark was a backup infielder on Moniteau's 21-1 team in 2017, hitting .250 in limited at bats. She hit .261 as a regular last season, collecting 10 RBI and seven runs scored while striking out just four times in 55 at bats.

She is off to a slow start at the plate for the Warriors this season.

“She's in a bit of a slump, but she'll come out of it,” Moniteau coach Lennie Claypoole said. “Madisyn is a workaholic. She's an outstanding kid who never stops trying to improve.”

Grove City is off to a 10-9 start this season under fifth-year coach Kristen Cramer. The Wolverines are bidding for their first winning season since 2015 and have already eclipsed last year's win total.

Junior third baseman Jen Kondracki is hitting .340 for Grove City so far this season.

“They have a couple of underclassmen third basemen there,” Claypoole said. “Madisyn may be more of a project when she first joins their team. She may have to wait her turn, but I can see her getting playing time.

“She's not limited to third base. She's played first base and the outfield, too.”

Clark prefers third base, but is willing to play anywhere.

“Wherever she (Cramer) wants me, that's the position I'll play,” she said.

“I like playing third because there's a lot of action at that spot. The ball comes at you hard and you have to react quickly. You have to charge bunts, too.”

Clark said she needs to work on pitch selection as a hitter.

“Just swing at better pitches, be more patient at the plate,” she said. “I feel like I'm still developing as a softball player.

“I'm looking forward to challenging myself and seeing how much better I can become.”