As spring season comes to an end, senior captain Madison Schaefer, a multi-sport varsity athlete, has high hopes for her last weeks of the season.
Schaefer has been doing track since she was about seven years old and has taken part in the track program all four years of high school. As Schaefer has worked her way up towards captain, she’s continued to take on new roles and events.
“In the past, I’ve mostly done the 400m and the [4x100m], but this year I’m transitioning more into the 800 and 400,” she said. “I’d like to qualify for the finals.”
Not only is Schaefer pursuing her own individual goals, but she also dedicates much of her time to bettering and strengthening the overall program.
“We didn’t really have a mid-distance team before last year, it was just kinda like one or two kids that did it, but this year I want to get more girls involved, and build a stronger program through that,” Schaefer said.
Not only do Schaefer’s teammates notice the roles she’s taken on, but athletic trainer Connor McLaughlin remarks on the leadership roles Schaefer has consistently stepped into.
“I see her kind of a step above her peers. She takes on a lot of leadership activities that she has both in volleyball…as well as the track team,” McLaughlin said. “She definitely likes to coach.”
In spite of the challenging workouts and conditioning, Schaefer shows great enthusiasm for the weekly meets and ability to spend time bonding with and getting to know her fellow teammates.
“We’re definitely pretty close, especially the seniors that have stuck through it for all four years,” Schaefer said.
Aaliyah Salvador, another senior who has been on the track team since freshman year, agrees with Schaefer.
“We always run side-by-side together,” Salvador said. “She’s very hardworking, very driven, very passionate about what she does.”
Schaefer’s teammates have played a significant role in supporting her throughout her track journey, from knee injuries to new events, pushing her to reach her goals, as she does for those around her.
As her last month is slowly approaching, Schaefer is ready to end her final season on a high note. As far as advice for other track athletes, Schaefer encourages athletes to stick with the sport, in spite of its mental and physical difficulties.
“It’s gonna hurt, and you’re really gonna wanna quit, and you’re going to throw up a lot, but you just gotta keep pushing, and eventually when you get results, get a PR, you’re going to feel really good, and it’s all going to be worth it,” Schaefer said.
