Written by Claudia Billman.
Senior Maddie Hudgens began pursuing basketball in the fifth grade to become more involved in school.
From a young age, Hudgens has been an active athlete. She started playing soccer when she was seven years old before she decided to start playing basketball.
Since then, Hudgens has become a great leader and role model to her fellow teammates.
“My greatest strength would probably be the leadership role and communicating with my teammates,” Hudgens said. “Being able to tell them what’s up and take that leadership role.”
Hudgens’ admirable quality as a leader is reflected through communication to her team, to create the best plays to win their games.
Communication is a key aspect that can separate a good team from a great team, it assures that everyone is on the same page and is working together.
Hudgens says nerves can affect performance during a game, especially if an athlete is under pressure. Being able to have a positive outlook on the game can give a player the power to overcome those nerves while having fun with teammates.
“Before a big game I definitely get nervous, but as soon as I step on the court it goes away instantly. I just try to play the best I can with my team.” Hudgens said.
No matter how efficient and productive a team is, there are always new ways to improve. The opportunities to bond outside of practice, helps them to not only improve as a team but also themselves.
“Unity, team bonding, maybe aggressiveness and mutual respect between everyone is huge. Because if you don’t have that then your team will fall apart,” junior teammate Lilli Karnowski said.
Although COVID-19 has made improving as a team difficult for athletes to participate in different sports, alternatives have been made. Activities like team zoom meetings and wide open areas for practices to keep everyone active and safe.
The different qualities that each player contributes to the team will make the team stronger as a whole. Regardless of how different this season looks.
“Just be positive and push your team to work harder,” Hudgens said.