EXCLUSIVE: Oregon Softball’s Paige Sinicki Reveals Motivation For Historic Season

Oregon Sotball junior shortstop Paige Sinicki is one of the best defensive talents in the nation. Sinicki’s 2024 season was recognized with many awards and achievements including the Notorious Rawlings Gold Glove Award.

Oregon infielder Paige Sinicki throws to first after a play at second base as the Oregon Ducks host No. 15 California Friday, March 8, 2024, at Jane Sanders Stadium in Eugene, Ore. / Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA

EUGENE- Oregon Softball boasts one of the top defensive talents in the nation in the upcoming senior shortstop, Paige Sinicki. Paige Sinicki has been a force for the Ducks during her three years. Last season as a junior, Sinicki experienced a breakthrough season.   

The statistics speak for themselves: 

• Pac-12 Conference-leading .975 fielding percentage 
• Just five errors in 184 chances 
• A staggering 105 assists ranked her third in the Pac-12   

"I felt really relaxed the whole season," Sinicki told Oregon SI's Olivia Cleary. "I felt the most free I ever have playing."  

Oregon infielder Paige Sinicki makes a catch as Washington’s Sydney Stewart slides safely into second base as the Oregon Ducks host Washington Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Jane Sanders Stadium in Eugene, Ore. / Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA

The Henderson, Nevada native was also named Pac-12 Co-Defensive Player Of The Year and was the top fielding shortstop in the conference during the 2024 season.  

"It's been a long time coming," said Sinicki. "Hopefully, I can go back-to-back."  

Oregon's Paige Sinicki dives for a ball during the game against Utah Sunday, May 7, 2023. / Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA

Sinicki's stellar performance during the 2024 season was recognized with numerous awards and national recognition. One of these awards is the prestigious Rawlings Gold Glove Award which honors softball's best defensive players at each position. Sinicki is the first and only Oregon softball player to receive this award.  

"It's just so awesome to be able to do it at the University of Oregon. I'm just so blessed to be able to do it with all my teammates. I wouldn't be able to do it without them and all my coaches. I'm excited for all the people coming in, and hopefully, we'll have another Gold Glove in the future. It's an awesome experience."  

Oregons Tehya Bird, left, and Paige Sinicki celebrate the last out in the second inning against Mount St. Mary s Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024 at Jane Sanders Stadium in Eugene. / Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA

Not only did Sinicki excel defensively, but offensively, she was a force at the plate. During the 2024 season, Sinicki achieved a career-high .282 batting average. She also hit six doubles, two home runs and drove in 16 RBI, while leading the team in sacrifice bunts with five.  

On the bases, Sinicki had a perfect 13-for-13 in stolen bases. Her 13 steals ranked ninth in the Pac-12.  

"It was really just me focusing on being able to reset mentally and calm myself down," explained Sinicki when asked about the adjustments she made from 2023 to 2024. "I think that was just something that boosted my play going into my junior year."  

Oregon s Paige Sinicki, left, tries unsuccessfuly for the tag of Maryland s Megan Mikami at second during the Jane Sanders Classic at Jane Sanders Stadium Saturday, March 2, 2024. / Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA

Beyond her on-field success, Sinicki is a dedicated student-athlete, balancing academics with her athletic pursuits.  

Combining her passion for softball with a long-term vision, Sinicki is pursuing a career in sports medicine. This path allows her to stay connected to the sport she loves while preparing for a future in the medical field. After graduation, Sinicki aims to take her skills to the professional softball level before transitioning into sports medicine.  

"I can't imagine I'm gonna want to hang up my cleats by the end of this year," said Sinicki.   

Oregon's Sinicki is a true force to be reckoned with, both on and off the field. The Duck's dedication, talent, and academic focus make her an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere. 

Now, Sinicki and the Ducks head to the Big Ten conference, where Oregon's top competition is Northwestern, Michigan, Rutgers, Nebraska and Minnesota.