Former Nansemond-Suffolk Academy standout Madi Wilson is learning through experience in her first season at the University of Virginia.

After a stellar softball career at NSA, Wilson took her game to the next level last year when she decided to play softball at UVA. She played in two games this season and had a one-hit in three at-bats with a double and an RBI. However, she felt good about her first year playing NCAA Division I softball and was thankful for her teammates for helping her transition.

“It was definitely an adjustment in terms of just the school and the softball, but it was a great year,” Wilson said. “I’m thankful for my teammates. When I came in, I basically had 24 friends because of the team, and they helped with my transition, which was great.”

Wilson said that after her first year of college softball, she has a lot of potential and room to grow that she didn’t initially think was there. Even though she didn’t see much time on the field, she still felt like she was able to grow as a player as she helped her teammates get better day in and day out. Coming into UVA, she felt prepared academically and athletically after attending NSA and also being coached by Brittany Thornburg.

“From having a great academic background at NSA and having Coach Thornburg as my coach, I felt prepared coming in,” she said. “She really pushed me to get better every day. I am so grateful for everything she did to help prepare me for college softball.”

With her sophomore year quickly approaching, Wilson is looking forward to continuing to learn as much as she can. She does hope to see the field more and continue to grow with her teammates.

Academically, Wilson is in nursing school at UVA and will be looking forward to her clinical rotations next spring. With a lot on her plate, Wilson has handled everything well. With more time on the field next season, she can continue to excel both in the classroom and on the field.

At NSA, Wilson is a three-time All-Conference and three-time All-State selection. She was the state Co-Player of the Year as a senior for NSA, and she was also the 2018 Suffolk News-Herald Spring Female Player of the Year.