WEEK #43: MADDI M.

 

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

 

My name is Maddi, I am from Kingston, Ontario and I am 18 years old. I am currently doing a victory lap at Frontenac Secondary School. Next year I plan to attend university and study Con Ed as well as play varsity basketball. I spend most of my time working out or spending time with my friends.

 

Growing up sports was, and still is, a huge part of my identity. I played basketball, hockey and lacrosse growing up and loved every second of it. In high school I decided to focus on basketball, but also picked up a new sport and started playing rugby. Basketball is definitely the sport that I enjoy the most, but I will say rugby season is one of the best times of the year and even though I am done playing I will always be a fan. During my time at Frontenac S.S. I have been to 3 OFSAA competitions, winning 2 and learning LOTS of valuable lessons (the hard way) at the other.

 

Sports has given me the opportunity to make lifelong friends and meet people that I would never have crossed paths with otherwise. Being involved with sports from such a young age has provided me with so many opportunities in life to grow as a player and a person. I would not be where I am today without sports!

 

Who is your favourite female athlete? Why? 

 

My favourite female athlete is Clara Hughes. Even though I don’t cycle or skate like Clara does, I find her story very inspiring, and I think she is an incredible athlete/person. When Clara first became very open about her struggles with mental health, I know female athletes everywhere including myself were reassured that we weren’t alone and that we no longer had to be silent.

Athletes sometimes feel like they can’t show their struggles because they don’t want to be perceived as “weak,” but Clara showed how sharing your story and being honest with yourself and others only makes you stronger.

 

What is the best advice you’ve received as a leader or athlete? How do you apply this advice?

 

The best advice I’ve received as an athlete/leader, is to always focus on the next play. You can’t control what just happened you can only control what will happen next. As a leader your team feeds off your energy, and you can’t worry about the bad pass you just made or the bad shot you just took because the next play is happening right now in front of you, and your teammates need you to be in the moment. To be completely honest this is something I continue to struggle to implement as an athlete and as a person in general. I will probably always struggle with this, but every day I try to use the “next play” mentality in life and sport.

What advice do you have for parents, coaches, or sport administrators to encourage or improve sport for females? 

Female athletes tend to lack confidence in comparison to their male counterparts, but positive experiences in sports can be an essential part of building confidence in young females. Parents and coaches can assist in building that confidence by creating a positive, competitive and encouraging environment for the athletes on the field, court or ice. Giving the athletes the opportunity to realize their full potential is the best coaching you can do.

 

What is a quote that motivates you?

 

“The moment you give up, is the moment you let someone else win.” – Kobe Bryant

 

Instagram: @maddimacinnis_