Softball player with Montezuma ties participates on USA team

Madi Urfer loves softball and takes the game to heart.

The 21-year-old daughter of Nathan and Shannon Urfer of Mounds View, Minnesota enters her senior season this fall at Luther College in Decorah.

Nathan is the son of Ron and Nancy Urfer of Montezuma and is a 1992 graduate of Montezuma High School.

Madi and her family were in Montezuma for several days to attend the Knoxville Sprint Car Nationals Aug. 7 — 9.

“The family gets together every year to watch the Knoxville Nationals,” said Madi. “I’ve been coming to the races since I was age 3.”

And while in town, Madi and Nathan spent time each morning practicing hitting at the Montezuma softball diamond.

One day, she was joined at practice by her cousin, Alyssa Latcham.

Madi started playing T-ball at age 3 or 4, and hasn’t stopped yet.

This summer, she traveled for 10 days with a USA softball team to Italy, where she played three games against Italian teams.

“It was an awesome experience,” Madi said. “It’s a different culture over there. We are fortunate for what we have available as softball players in the states.”

It all came about thanks to her coaches, Renae Hartl and Teri Olson, at Luther College. They were named coaches of the USA team and were charged with selecting players from D1, D2 and D3 colleges and universities from across the US.

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“Each coach got to select a few players based on position,” said Madi. “There were five players from Luther that got selected to go.”

Madi said her team finished 2-1 in Italy.

“After our first game, the opposing team made us pizza and we all sat down and ate, both team intermixed.”

The trip also included traveling and sightseeing.

“Softball has shaped me to be who I am,” Madi said. “It has taught me to be humble as it is a game of failure — where you fail more times than you succeed.”

She added, “The game teaches you how to stay strong and push yourself and to never give up.”

Madi said her dad has played a big role her life.

“He has pushed me and taught me the importance of being myself,” said Madi. “He never hesitates to help me get better.”

She’s also grateful for her mom, who never misses a game.

“The support she has shown me throughout my career makes me a better player,” she said.

When asked about attending Luther College, Madi said she loves the team atmosphere and the winning culture they have there.

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The Norse finished the 2025 campaign with a 23-18 record.

Madi was among 10 Norse softball players named 2024-25 Easton/National Fastpitch Coaches Association scholar-athlete.

Madi plays second base and infield for the Norse. She is studying exercise science at Luther and her plans are to become a physical therapist. She hopes to attend physical therapy school in Iowa and has already applied at two schools.

“I’m thankful for this life experience and the opportunity to play softball,” she said.