MORGANTOWN — For four seasons, Morgantown High School softball standout Madison Wisman has steadily climbed the mountain of high school softball in the state of West Virginia.

As a freshman and sophomore, Wisman played a key role early in her career for the Mohigans. Come her junior season, Wisman grew into one of the leaders on the team on both sides of the ball, leading MHS at the plate and in the circle.

It all led to her senior season with MHS, her final chance to prove that she belonged in the conversation among the state’s best softball players.

Wisman did the only thing she knew to do: take the field and spin the softball.

After an exceptional regular season and regional tournament run, Wisman led the Mohigans to an improbable run in the 2026 Class AAAA state softball tournament, resulting in the program’s first-ever state championship.

Not only did MHS win four straight games to capture the title, but they did so without allowing a single run throughout the tournament. Wisman threw every single pitch of every inning to spark her team. She also batted .500 at the plate through the four contests.

In 2026, Wisman went 22-5 in the circle with a 1.23 ERA. She allowed 108 hits, 56 walks, and 46 runs (32 earned), while striking out 274 batters in 182 innings pitched. Batters held a .163 average against her. She also led MHS in batting average (.484) with 45 hits, 25 RBIs, and 19 runs. She totaled 14 doubles, two triples, and four home runs, drawing 33 walks and only five strikeouts in 127 plate appearances.

Her efforts earned her the title of the 2026 West Virginia Sportswriters Association State Softball Player of the Year, announced on Saturday.

“It’s surreal to hear,” Wisman said. “Just knowing that all the hard work and effort I’ve put in throughout the years and that the efforts of my teammates behind me are being recognized also is something I’m grateful for. Winning the state championship is special, but knowing that all of the work is paying off is a great feeling.”

While her talents as a player have certainly taken strides each season for MHS, Wisman says it’s her ability to lead that has been her most important improvement.

“I learned more about leading through action and being an example,” she said. “I think that really impacted the way I played with my team. Our seniors all stepped into some sort of leadership role, and as a pitcher, knowing that support is behind you is priceless.”

Like Maddie, her head coach Lorri Lipscomb says what impresses her most is the work Maddie puts in off the field.

“You won’t find another player who prepares the way she does,” Lipscomb said. “I’m talking about sitting in the lobby of the hotel and going through every single pitch for every single batter she’s going to see in the next game. That’s how she is able to do what she does. Her preparation is unmatched, and there’s never a moment she isn’t ready for.”

Wisman will take her talents 45 minutes north of Morgantown to Robert Morris University, where she will have the opportunity to play as a utility player, pitching and hitting.

She says RMU is getting someone who is going to be the best teammate and competitor in the dugout.

“I want all the pressure,” she said. “I want to be in every situation. I’m definitely a competitor, and I’m very excited to join the program there and make an impact.”