Canadian College Softball Athlete: Utility Player/Catcher with Junior College, Canadian League Experience and High Level Development Background | Baseball Jobs Overseas

Canadian College Softball Athlete: Utility Player/Catcher with Junior College, Canadian League Experience and High Level Development Background

Name: Maddie Kulmala

Height: 5'10/177.8cm

Weight: 160/72kg

DOB: September 27, 2005

Date Available: May 16, 2026

Will Pay Flight

Bats: R

Throws: R

Positions: 3B

Positions (alt): Utl, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, OF, C

College: Hesston College

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Personal

Offensive Power & Consistency: I’m both a contact and a power hitter, finishing my last competitive season with a .418 batting average, .453 OBP, 1.048 OPS.

Strong defensive presence/Explosive strength: My exit velocity off the tee is 67 MPH. I have a powerful, accurate arm, and can throw from my knees, making quick and  precise plays.

Multi-sport Athleticism: My background in multiple sports has developed my balance, coordination, and explosive athletic ability. I move efficiently, react quickly, and bring versatility to any position I play.

Team-Culture Builder: I care deeply about creating a a positive and competitive environment. I’m all about trust, celebrating success, and keeping the energy high for everyone around me.

Elite communication skills; whether I’m calling the game, directing teammates, or hyping up the dugout, I communication with clarity and passion. I make sure everyone feels seen, supported and connected.

Leadership & presence: I’m a natural leader who brings energy, accountability, and confidence to every environment I’m part of. I lead by example and help my teammates believe in themselves, both in competition and training.

Coachable, competitive and composed: I thrive under pressure and have the ability to stay calm in big moments. Im always looking to learn, adapt, and refine my skills, I love feedback and use it to push myself to new levels.

Work Ethic & Passion: I bring intensity to every rep, drill, and game. I’m constantly finding ways to improve my mechanics, mindset and performance.

My primary position has always been catcher, where I excel at framing, managing pitchers, calling games and controlling the tempo of play. in addition, I have had equal success at first and third base, and have experience playing other infield and outfield positions as needed. My versatility and willingness to adapt make me a valuable option for teams looking for players who can fill multiple roles and strengthen roster depth.

I’m the kind of teammate who brings energy, positivity and commitment everyday. I lead by example on and off the field, always looking for ways to help my teammates improve, whether that’s hopping in the cage to work on mechanics or offering encouragement during tough moments, I’ve always been the teammate my teammates can lean on. I thrive in building strong team chemistry, keeping the dugout engaged and focused, and creating an environment where everyone feels supported to perform at their best. My dedication, work ethic, and passion for the game make me a teammate who not only contributes individually but lifts the entire team.

Career highlights

My athletic journey has been shaped by leadership, hard work and a genuine love for the game. in 2023, I was honoured to be named most valuable player during the Canadian u19A softball Championships. That same drive and dedication earned me an athletic scholarship to  Mid-Plains Community college in Nebraska. Beyond the field, I have been featured in Times Colonist and CHEK News for my advocacy for athlete mental health and promoting women In sport.

Coaching

I bring energy, expertise and a passion for developing athletes in softball and baseball. I focus on building both technical skills and mental toughness, helping players grow in confidence, game awareness, and a love for the sport. My coaching style is hands-on, mentorship-driven, and fun. leading by example while fostering a positive, inclusive, and competitive environment where athletes are motivated to reach their full potential,

Overseas Goals

I want to take my career overseas because I love traveling and experiencing new cultures, people and environments. Softball has already given me the opportunity to travel extensively across the United States of America. I’ve played in over 15 different states and competing at that level has shown me how much I enjoy learning from different teammates, coaches, and communities. I also had the honour of playing for Canada futures twice, where we competed against junior colleges in the southern USA. Playing Overseas is a natural next step for me to keep improving my game while embracing new experiences, building connections, and bringing my passion and work ethic to a team in a global environment.

I stay sharp and in shape year-round through a combination of coaching, training and personal fitness. I run youth softball and baseball programs out of the Edward family training centre, home of the Victoria HarbourCats baseball Club, which keeps me in the hitting facility several days a week, constantly working on my swing and helping other players improve theirs. beyond the field, I maintain a strong fitness routine and prioritize staying active, which allows me to stay ready for high-level competition and continue improving every aspect of my game.

Notable Personal Accomplishments

  • Podcast Creator: Produced a podcast highlighting Spectrum athletes and the importance of mental health in sports.

  • Social Media Manager: Managed Spectrum’s main athletics Instagram account, creating content that promoted team spirit, athlete achievements, and school engagement.

  • Team Captain: Served as Team Captain for Spectrum’s Senior Girls Volleyball Team (2022–23), recognized for strong leadership and communication skills.

  • Athletic Awards:

    • Senior Women’s Volleyball Player of the Year – Spectrum Community School (2023)

    • Junior Athlete of the Year – Spectrum Community School (2021)

    • Fine Arts – Film Award – Recognized in Grade 12 for creativity and storytelling in film production.

  • Community Builder: During the pandemic, organized and hosted outdoor volleyball tournaments that united students and staff, keeping school athletics active despite restrictions.

  • Basketball Achievements: Played for Spectrum’s Girls Basketball Team (2019–2023) and helped lead the team to a City Championship title in 2020–21.

  • Youth Mentor: Volunteered through the Spectrum Athletic Leadership Program to coach and support Grade 7 and 8 basketball and volleyball teams.

  • Creative Writing Recognition: Finalist in the Polar Expressions Publishing National Student Short-Story Contest (2016).

  • Mental Health Advocate: Combined her passion for film and storytelling to advocate for athlete mental health, which led to being featured on CHEK News.

Articles/Recognitions

https://cheknews.ca/female-leadership-is-a-big-deal-new-victoria-fast-pitch-team-competing-in-national-championship-1163274/Her Love of Sports

Lightning hope to catch fire at girls’ U-19 Canadian softball championship

‘Female leadership is a big deal’: New Victoria fast pitch team competing in national championship

YouTube: Maddie Kulmala; Mental Health

Playing Experience

YEARSORGANIZATIONLEAGUE/DIVISIONDETAILS
2021-2022 Canada Futures COLLEGIATE ID CAMP,SHOWCASE TOUR, EXPOSURE EVENT I had the privilege of being selected for the Canada Futures Program during its 2021 and 2022 tours. The program is committed to advancing athlete and coach development through elite training, competition, and mentorship. I traveled as a catcher and designated hitter, competing in collegiate tours across the U.S, which strengthened my competitive edge and deepened my understanding of the game. Being coached and evaluated by some of the best athletes and coaches in Canada and the U.S. provided invaluable experience and exposure to the next level of play. My time with Canada Futures also shaped my leadership approach, heavily influenced by award-winning coach Joni Frei.
2021-2024 Beacon Hill Glory U19A/Travel Ball I was pulled up from U17 to join the U19A Beacon Hill Glory team in Grade 11, where I competed as one of the youngest players on the roster. Originally picked up as a catcher, I quickly expanded my skill set to include first and third base with the support of the Beacon Hill Glory coaching staff. Being surrounded by older teammates and experienced mentors helped shape my development both on and off the field. I was fortunate to be guided by inspiring female leaders such as Allie Pellizzaro (former college athlete) and Emma Entzinger (Olympic athlete), whose mentorship fueled my growth, confidence, and understanding of what it means to compete at a high level.
2023 North Platte Community College NJCAA Catcher/1st base/3rd base
2026 Hesston College NAIA 3rd base, Ultity, Back Catcher

Coaching Experience

YEARROLEORGANIZATIONLEAGUE/DIVISIONDETAILS
2024-Present Coach/Program Leader Edward Family Training Center/ (HarbourCats Club Facility) Youth Softball & Baseball. Youth I run and coach youth softball and baseball programs for players of 8-17 year olds, focusing on skill devlopement in hitting, fielding, pitching, base running, and overall game IQ. lead camps, small group sessions, and individual training.
2025-Present Softball & Fastball Camp/Program Lead/Coach Edward Family Training Centre (HarbourCats Club Facility) Youth Girls training program ages (8-17 year olds) In 2025, I brought softball/fastball programs to the facility. Which emphases skill development (throwing, hitting, fielding, and base running) teamwork, mental resilience, and confidence. Designed camp activities includes batting practices and skill stations.

Stats

College/Amateur Batting

Years Team G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG
2022 .362 .375 .864
2023/24 Beacon Hill Softball 34 79 9 33 8 3 - 17 6 12 5 0 .418 .453 .595
2025 Tipsy Tornados 10 24 2 6 2 2 4 1 4 2 0 .250 .280 .500

Video Highlights

Testimonials

Rocky Vitale

Softball Director.Victoria Glory/ Beacon Hill Softball

Joni Frei

Coach/Mentor, Canada Futures

Jim Swanson

Managing partner Victoria HarbourCats and Nanaimo NightOwls, Golden Tide Collegiate Program, and Edward Family Training Centre

Additional Info

Playing preferences: Europe Semi-pro (ie. Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, France etc.), Europe Pro (Italy, The Netherlands), Australia Semi-pro (State Leagues), Australia Pro (Australian Baseball League), New Zealand Semi-pro, South Africa Semi-pro, Asia Pro (Japan, Korea, Taiwan), Canada semi-pro (Intercounty Baseball League, NBSBL, QSBL, etc.), Latin America pro (Guatemala, Colombia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, DR, etc)

Living preferences: Private living arrangement (apartment to self), Shared living arrangement, own bedroom, Shared living arrangement, shared bedroom, Give me a floor, pillow and a mat to sleep on, Host Family

Return home: I have to return home for school on August 10th.

Prior engagements: No

Recent injuries/illnesses: No

Traveling with a companion: No

Educational Background:
In 2024, I began taking Sport Management classes at Camosun College, where I started developing foundational knowledge in sports administration, communication, and athlete development. I am currently pursuing a Sport Management degree with a major in Visual Communications, focusing on sports administration, media, and athlete engagement. My education has provided me with a strong foundation in sports communication, coaching principles, and event management, complementing my on-field experience and coaching work with youth athletes.

Collegiate Athlete Transition (January 2026):
In January 2026, I earned a scholarship to play at Hesston College in Kansas, where I will continue pursuing my Sport Management degree. This opportunity allows me to further develop both my athletic career and academic pathway, gaining experience as a Canadian college athlete competing in the U.S. while continuing to grow in leadership, high-performance sport environments, and sports communication.