Junior Pitcher Madison Such Likes Rachel Lawson’s Recruiting Plan

Madison Such (UK Athletics Photo)

Kentucky did not have the kind of softball season in 2025 that coach Rachel Lawson wanted but that did not stop Indiana junior standout Madison Such from committing to the Wildcats.

“I really like what Lawson is doing and what her mindset is. She is going very heavy with the (20)26 and (20)27 classes so we can grow together and  make each other better and I like that,” said Such. “I had an idea where I wanted to go to school. I know the record was not what Lawson had in mind but I think the girls she is bringing in are what they really need.”

Such can be a dominant pitcher who has been clocked throwing as high as 70 mile per hour and consistently hits in the mid to high 60’s. She locates pitches well and likes to change speeds.

The Lake Central High School player went 15-1 with a 1.31 ERA,148 strikeouts and 25 walks in 85 1/3 innings as a freshman in 2024. Last season she went 17-3 with a 1.79 ERA, 183 strikeouts and 35 walks in 121 innings.

“I started out as a third baseman. I always had a strong arm. I could pitch but I was not very good. I was a No. 3 pitcher and worked my way up to No. 1 in 10U when I started travel ball,” Such said. “I was a good hitter and can still hit and I hope Lawson will give me an opportunity to hit when I get there.”

She believes  her “confidence and energy” help make her a successful pitcher.

“I think I am also a really good leader. A lot of girls say my energy is contagious and that is a great compliment. Sometimes you do not know if teammates like you or not but it is important that they do,” she said. “My adrenaline is so high during games. During bullpen sessions I have hit 72 miles per hour (with her fastball).”

She is already looking forward to Lawson and pitching coach Grace Stonewall, a former UK pitcher, helping refine her game in college.

“I love Grace so much. We are opposite and similar at the same time. She will help me a lot. Our chemistry will mesh great I think once I get comfortable with her,” the Schereville, Ind., player said. “Right now my other pitches are stronger than my fastball. My best pitch is my rise ball and Lawson has always loved that. The fast ball is really juicy for SEC hitters. They sit on that pitch and you have to throw more than a fastball.”

Such visited Michigan and Northwestern but called off a visit to powerhouse UCLA because it was too far from home. She has an uncle who lives in Louisville and her godfather lives in Lexington about five minutes from the UK campus.

“My godfather, who is my dad’s cousin, has four kids and he went to UK and majored in engineering,” Such said. “I am a really big family person and knowing somebody would only be five minutes away if I needed something made me feel comfortable. My dad is one of my best friends and I surround myself with family all I can. I wear No. 13 for my father because he pushed me to be the athlete I am. Before I switched travel teams he was my travel ball coach.

“My grandfather was a big fan of mine before he passed during my freshman year. He came to my games when his health allowed even when it was a struggle for him and that meant  a lot.”

Such felt some “stress” during the recruitment process and decided not to waste time visiting schools she knew she would not attend.

“Like the UCLA visit. I could never see myself in LA. I got asthma and the heat does not mesh well with that. So when I visited I knew UK was the better fit,” she said.

One way she does relieve stress is by baking and would even make cookies after calls with college coaches during her recruitment.

“It is a new hobby and I am even taking a baking class,” she said. “I like making stuff for  my sister, friends and even for myself. When I went on my visit to Kentucky they had a kitchen/nutrition area that I really love.”

Could Such envision herself becoming a chef?

“I am a 16-year-old high school junior and have no idea what I want to do. I am open minded,” she said. “I love the idea of sports medicine or physical therapy. Another recent idea was elementary education. I think I would love being a teacher. I love babysitting and helping out little kids.”