Diamond Sparkles Episode 2: Maggie Guyotte ~ Quitman

If you’re looking for what truly defines teamwork look no further than the small village of Quitman, LA. Nestled between Ruston and Jonesboro, you won’t find big city life, but what you will find is big city heart.

And when you find Quitman, you will find a young lady that is a true leader on and off the field for the Quitman High School Lady Wolverines in Maggie Guyotte. Guyotte, who is a rising Senior, has helped lead her team to Back-to-Back State softball titles but is quick to point to the teamwork dynamic and the fact that the Lady Wolverines are bigger than any one player.

One look at her stat sheet and it’s easy to see why the folks at Louisiana Tech were quick to offer the chance to continue here softball career 15 miles north of Quitman. Following a September 2024 visit to Ruston, Maggie made it official just a month later in her commitment to LA Tech.

The youngest of 6 children, Maggie said she always felt comfortable at Tech and on her official visit it “just felt like home, and I’m a homebody.” Guyotte would add that “I also have my community there and I like to play for my community.”

But the Bulldogs will have to wait. Maggie Guyotte and the Lady Wolverines begin their quest for a third straight State Title immediately. We spoke with Maggie following the State Title game a few weeks ago and asked her point blank when the work starts on next year’s run for the Championship and the answer was just as to the point… “Tomorrow”

Quitman Head Coach Justin Dodson says his philosophy in having who he feels is the best pure hitter in the state is to put her batting second. It gives the chance to have leadoff get on and then protectors hitting behind her. That move paid off in the State Title game with hits like this passion fille double from Guyotte.

By her sophomore year, Maggie had become the all-time leader is Home Runs, hits, and RBIs for Jackson Parish and seems to add to those totals with each game. Looking back at her career that started as a 7th grader for the Lady Wolverines her numbers look like this:

But it’s not the numbers that tell the story of Maggie Guyotte. It’s her work as a selfless leader toward her teammates and her deep faith that truly tell you who she is. When asked about her work with teammates, Coach Justin Dodson told us “She always puts herself out there…whether it’s lessons or help, Maggie is always available”.

“I want them to have just as much success as we have had. You can’t just win games with a couple of players. You have to have your whole team”, added Guyotte. “When they come to you and ask for help, you help them.”

But it’s not just talk. She walks the walk. Guyotte says that her leading by example is far more beneficial than anything she could say to someone. “I have watched others and gotten better, and I want to help others become better.”

Maggie thrives is the small-town setting of Quitman. In a time where the world is becoming a place that is losing face to face interactions to texts and Social Media, “I know everyone in my class. We all love each other, and we all support each other.”

Away from the field Maggie stays just as active. From throwing the javelin and discus to playing pickleball or just working out. It’s a well-rounded lifestyle that keeps Maggie focused. But it’s her focus on God that fuels her. In speaking with Coach Justin, it’s clear that this is also not just talk. Maggie Guyotte lives it. “Her walk-up songs are Christian songs. When she’s in the cage, Christian music is playing. Each year she gets one or two prayer partners to pray with prior to the games.”

When we talked about her trust in God, Maggie told us, “No matter what happens, I’m gonna put all my faith and trust in God. I went through one of the biggest slumps in my career at the start of this season. I had to quit worrying and give it all to God.That helped me grow as a player and a person. It made me realize if this is the last game I ever play, I’m gonna give it all I got.” Amen Maggie, amen.

Maggie after the Semifinal win: Maggie Guyotte post Semifinal

Maggie after winning her second straight title: Back to Back

But it’s bigger than Quitman and it’s bigger than softball for Maggie Guyotte. She spoke with us about her desire to start an annual Home Run competition as a way to compete with other softball players around the state and raise money for St. Judes.” (Stay tuned for more details on that as it is in the works.)

Diamond Sparkles is a year-round column that tells the stories behind the stories of the Pelican State’s softball players. If you have someone that would make a great story send us an email to info@446sports.com