The Times Athlete of the Week: Streator’s Makenna Ondrey

Of 656 votes cast for The Times Athlete of the Week sponsored by SOCU, Streator softball pitcher Makenna Ondrey captured 255 of them to claim the honor in a close race.

The Bulldogs’ junior ace won a pair of 1-0 pitchers’ duels with Peotone’s Sophie Klawitter, over two games pitching 19 shutout innings capped by Wednesday’s 12-inning, 19-strikeout performance.

Also on the ballot were runner-up Sam Mitre (Marquette baseball), Lanee Cole (Serena softball) and Weston Averkamp (Ottawa boys track and field).

Next week’s ballot is online now and accessible via Facebook (The Times Sports) and Twitter (@jtpedelty), with voting going through midday Wednesday.

Here is a Q&A with this week’s winner:

Do you have any nicknames?

Ondrey: Kenna, Ken, Nines, Niners, Nenna, Hollywood.

How old were you when you started playing softball, and what league did you start in?

Ondrey: I started with James Street T-Ball at the age of 4, and then Bodznick (Streator Girls) Softball at the age of 7.

What’s been your favorite moment on a softball field so far?

Ondrey: Winning state in 12U.

What’s your favorite pitch to throw – type and location?

Ondrey: Changeup, outside and low.

Bases loaded, two outs, seventh inning, tie game. Would you rather be stepping into the circle to pitch in that do-or-die situation or stepping into the batter’s box to hit?

Ondrey: I’d rather be stepping into the circle to pitch.

A lot of people believe cold temperatures favor the pitcher. Do you prefer pitching in colder or warmer temperatures, and why?

Ondrey: Warmer temperatures so my muscles stay loose. I don’t like to be cold.

What’s your favorite subject in school?

Ondrey: English.

You and the team are going out to dinner to celebrate a big win. Where do you go, and what do you order?

Ondrey: Chix. And I would order boneless BBQ wings and fries.

What movie would you say you’ve seen more than any other? About how many times?

Ondrey: “The Notebook,” about 10 times.

Do you think it’s easier of more difficult playing with your dad as your head coach, and why?

Ondrey: It’s definitely more difficult to have my dad as the head coach. Expectations are higher. The feeling of disappointment hits a little harder if I have an off day. But I wouldn’t want it any other way. It has made me into the person and player I am today.

Only one can stay: tacos, pizza or steak?

Ondrey: Steak.

Is there a fact about you that might surprise people who only know you through sports?

Ondrey: I don’t like feet. They gross me out.

Do you have any college plans, and if so, do they involve sports?

Ondrey: I plan to attend college to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education and will also continue my softball career.