Thomas Jefferson sophomore Madden Stanek has taken her softball skills to the international level.
A shortstop and outfielder, Stanek was selected to compete in the 30th annual international fastpitch event known as The Cup 2026 held in the Netherlands in the town of Schiedam (located near Rotterdam).
Stanek was joined by Zoie DeCostro, another TJ sophomore, at the tournament. (Editor’s note: Zoie DeCostro’s reaction to the trip will be featured next month in the South Hills Record.)
Stanek, who is 15, and her parents were overseas for eight days from Jan. 13-20.
“I am so excited for the opportunity to be able to play in an international tournament like this,” said Stanek prior to her departure. “I hope to just have fun and stay in the moment while playing softball. I cannot wait to learn new techniques from this experience and see all the different sights and cultures in Europe.”
Games were held Jan. 16-18 in Schiedam in the Netherlands. It was promoted as a weekend of high-level play and possible once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
“I think it was a great opportunity to go and travel and see how softball is played in another country,” said Heidi Karcher, TJ’s softball coach, “and maybe learn some drills from teams outside the USA that maybe TJ softball can implement.”
Originally founded in France 30 years ago and hosted in the Netherlands for the past 26 years, The Cup has become the largest and one of the most prestigious softball tournaments of its kind in the world. Games are broadcast to nearly 30 countries.
Why the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is the heart of fastpitch softball in Europe. Italy and the Netherlands have the highest world ranking among all European nations.
Stanek joined top players from across the United States to compete indoors against elite international teams from countries that previously have included Russia, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands.
“Some of the girls on the team are on my travel team,” the 5-foot-3 Stanek said, “so I have a lot of experience playing with them.”
The TJ underclassman competed for the Chaos team, coached by Peter Katz and assistant Joahan Korpel. Players in the tournament ranged in age from eighth grade to high school seniors.
Stanek was joined by five other athletes from Pennsylvania: DeCostro, Julianna Ward, Evelyn Lehman, Emma Day, and Emma Farrell.
Other team members included AbbyGail Reardon (Texas), Brynnly Thomson (Virginia) and Kaylin Brazie (New York).
This trip combines history, cultural and social experiences along with the softball competition.
Stanek prepared for the event for 10 months. She was invited to play by Katz, who has a long history of coaching The Cup teams.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to play the game I love on a global stage,” Stanek said. “I’m focusing on trusting my instincts, playing my best and embracing every moment with my teammates.
“I want to thank my coach, Peter Katz, for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Beyond the diamond, the experience immerses athletes in some of Europe’s most historic sites. Between games, players were scheduled to visit the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, explore the canals and markets of cities dating to the 1200s and travel to Paris and stay near Notre Dame, the Louvre, Napoleon’s Palace and the Eiffel Tower.
“I am chaperoning Madden,” said her mom, Eileen, “along with my husband Rob and Madden’s older brother, Mclaine.
“The European competition is often a lot older, sometimes 30-year-old Olympians.”
This is the only international softball event that combines world-class competition with rich cultural and historical exploration. Many Cup alumni go on to play professionally in Europe or at the highest collegiate levels in the United States.
Tournament games took place in the Margriethal and Groenoordhal.
“Margriethal and Groenoordhal are halls which I envision to be buildings that are gymnasium-like,” Eileen Stanek said. “I am told football — or soccer, as we call it — is often played there and other sports brought indoors.
“The softball play is unique in that the floors are made of poly plastic tile and are slippery. Also, bases are flush so sliding will be interesting. There is no right field, the bases are 54 feet (in length) and the ball is called a Diamond flexible ball that bounces a lot.”
Stanek’s selection for this prestigious event represents more than athletic achievement. It is a testament to her dedication, leadership and passion for the game.
Stanek saw varsity playing time at TJ last season highlighted by a booming home run. She also is a member of the TJ girls volleyball program as a defensive specialist.
“Madden made some appearances in the varsity games last year,” said Heidi Karcher, TJ’s softball coach, “and I was appreciative of her work ethic and how hard she hits the ball. She had some key multiple base hits that scored winning runs. I’m looking for her to play an integral role this year on both sides of the plate.
“Madden has a simply awesome personality. She’s always smiling and never complains. She always says hello in the hallways even when we are not in season, and I love when players do that.”
TJ’s softball team captured first place in Section 4-5A with a 10-2 record last spring, won seven of eight late-season games, advanced to the WPIAL quarterfinals and finished 13-7 overall.
“Our team won the section title and made it to the second round of playoffs. I’m hoping to do this and better in the next season,” Stanek said. “Personally, I’m hopeful for more playing time on varsity and even possibly securing a (starting) spot.”
Stanek has been competing in softball since a very young age.
“I have been playing since I was allowed in T-Ball,” she said. “I feel as though there isn’t one person that has influenced me in my career. I have been blessed with many coaches while growing up that pushed me to be the best I could be and continue to grow my love for the sport.
“It’s more because of them that I continue to practice softball and try to be better.”
During the offseason, Stanek is a member of the Pittsburgh Riot 2010 travel softball team.