Savvy outfielder leads the Eagles

McKenna Malone is the lone senior on the Issaquah softball squad.

By Shaun Scott • March 18, 2019 1:58 pm
Issaquah Eagles senior McKenna Malone, who will bat in the fifth spot in the batting order during the 2019 season, loves leading her youthful team on the softball field. Shaun Scott, staff photo
Issaquah Eagles senior McKenna Malone, who will bat in the fifth spot in the batting order during the 2019 season, loves leading her youthful team on the softball field. Shaun Scott, staff photo

Roaming the outfield with confidence has been a mantra of McKenna Malone’s game ever since she took the field as a freshman on the Issaquah High varsity softball team in the spring of 2016.

Malone, who is the only senior on the Eagles varsity roster this spring, loves being a go-to player for her teammates on and off the field.

“It is really fun because I get to be an example for the younger girls on the team. I kind of get to show them the ways of not only softball but of school as well,” Malone said.

Malone said she is completely comfortable with batting fifth in the lineup.

“I like hitting because I feel like I can control where I hit. When I visualize it, it usually goes where I want it to go,” Malone said of her approach at the plate. “You just feel really powerful.”

Issaquah head coach Ron Hatlen, who is in his eighth season as the Eagles leader, said Malone sets the tone with her mode of operation on a daily basis.

“She is kind of quiet but she always leads by example. She is always early to practice and is the first one in line in all of our drills,” Hatlen said of Malone.

Recently the Issaquah Reporter had an opportunity to ask Malone some questions about her life away from softball field.

Issaquah Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?

McKenna Malone: Probably “Anchorman.” Will Ferrell is really funny.

IR: What is your dream vacation spot?

MM: It is probably Greece. It looks really pretty and the water is really blue.

IR: If you could pick one person to go to dinner with, who would it be?

MM: My grandma Joan because she makes really good mashed potatoes.

IR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

MM: When people stop in the hallway and I have to walk around them.

IR: Where do you see yourself in five years?

MM: I can see myself probably having an apartment, a job and a dog.

IR: What kind of music are you listening to the most in your car right now?

MM: I like country music. I have always been a country fan.

IR: What is your favorite hobby away from sports?

MM: I really like to write random fiction stories.