Senior Spotlight: Madalyn Peterson measures up against swimming competition
WESTON – Madalyn Peterson might not be the tallest among the swimmers standing on the starter blocks before a race. But the D.C. Everest senior has come up with some big performances during her high school career.
“She is small, but she is mighty,” Everest coach Melissa Springer said. “She has that fire in her belly and just turns it to the next gear when it’s time to get up on the blocks and compete. “
Peterson will compete in the Division 1 100-yard backstroke Saturday at the WIAA state girls swim meet in Madison. It is the third time in her career that Peterson has competed in the individual event, and the senior also will be part of the Evergreens’ 200-medley and 400-freestyle relays in the fourth and final state meet appearance in her prep career.
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“She came back (this year) focused and was determined to go to state in the (100 back). Her thought was, ‘This is my event,’” Springer said.
Peterson recently sat down with USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin to talk about the highs and lows of her athletic career, her leadership style as a captain in swimming and softball and her future plans, among other topics.
Do you have a nickname that your friends/teammates or family members call you?
Most of the time it is just Maddie P. I don’t really answer to anything else.
What would you say your top sports memory has been?
Probably in my sophomore year. We won conference and that was really memorable because I’m a huge believer in that everything is done as a team — that you work together and win or lose together (as a team). If you’re swimming or not, you are part of the team.
What would you say your most embarrassing moment has been?
It was during softball season. I was running to the back of a base and I tripped and fell and sprained my ankle doing virtually nothing.
Are there certain teammates that you are especially going to miss after this year?
I think this team has gotten so close this year that I’m going to miss each and every one of them. I took it upon myself to get to know every teammate or try to this season. I’m going to miss my senior friends because we have swam together for 11 years.
You are a captain this year and also have been a captain in softball. Talk about your leadership style.
I’m definitely more of a vocal leader but I encourage other people (on the team) to talk, too.
You are thinking about going to UW-La Crosse next year. What is it about the school which made it the right fit?
Both of my parents and a couple of my aunts and uncles went there. I went for a visit and love (the location) with the bluffs and the river. I knew I wasn’t ready to give up (swimming), the sport which I love, and I want to go into occupational therapy and (UW-La Crosse) has an amazing OT program.
What is it about occupational therapy that has your interest?
I love working with people who have special needs, and I love working with kids. I want to be in a profession where I can work with them and see the progress with them.
Do you work with kids now?
I teach swim lessons (at the YMCA) and am involved with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program.
FAVORITES
Pool to swim in: The state pool (at the University of Wisconsin) has definitely been one of my favorites. The atmosphere is crazy. But just to swim in, I would say my home pool (at D.C. Everest). I love that thing.
Sport: It depends on the season (with swimming and softball).
Movie: ”Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.”
TV show: "How I Met Your Mother."
Food or meal: Egg rolls.