Senior Makena Burlingame has had an outstanding four years on the Royals Softball Team. Her hard work has not gone unnoticed. The Royals won the 2024 State Championship against New Palestine on June 7, 2024. It has been 14 years since the Royals won a state championship.
Throughout her junior season, Burlingame had 14 hits as well as scoring 7 runs (2 of which were during the state championship game) throughout her successful season. Burlingame had 3 RBI’s and only struck out 8 times.
“My favorite memory by far was winning state last year,” Burlingame said. “Not only did we work so hard to get there, but I created lasting memories and friendships with the seniors that left. I am just proud of us as a team last year.”
Burlingame continues to get better every practice. Sometimes she will find herself in situations that may be hard to overcome obstacles.
“The way that best helps me overcome any obstacles is leaning on my teammates,” Burlingame said. “Especially the seniors on the team because we have all stuck together and it’s amazing how we have each other’s backs.”
This is Burlingame’s 2nd year on the Royals Varsity Team. She loves connecting with her teammates and coaches. Head coach, Emily Pusti, says she has had a lasting impact through the softball program.
“Makena has a lot of talent, and works hard to demonstrate what she can do and does it well,” Pusti says. “She is a player that does not get rattled easily, thus we can count on her in high stress point situations.”
Burlingame had an outstanding performance at the state championship game. She hit 2 doubles and was the Royals first scoring run of the game.
Burlingame is a great teammate. Her teammate, Grace Swedarsky, thinks just the same!
“She’s just really nice to everyone and always comes in prepared and works so hard.”
Burlingame has left a lasting legacy on the Royals softball team.
“During the 2025 season I hope to build lasting connections with not only the other seniors but also the underclassman,” Burlingame said. “I believe that building strong relationships with the girls around you creates an unbeatable team.”
