Name: Maddy Walter-Sherretts
School: Leavenworth High School
Q: What does your training look like right now given the current situation?
A: My coach put together a workout schedule for the next two months so I've been following that and looking forward to summer runs with my teammates.
Q: What are you doing to stay busy other than run right now?
A: Other than running I have been painting my friends their graduation gifts, playing with my new puppy Phoebe and writing stories for the yearbook.
Q: What was your most memorable race/moment?
A: My most memorable race would have to be the 4x800m relay at Seamen Relays my junior year. I had been running a consistent time of 2:25 for the 800m the whole season. I wanted to Pr and I was very superstitious since I had Pr'd there in the 800m for the last four years. I opened and ended up running a 2:22-2:23, I felt very accomplished.
Q: What was the funniest thing that happened during your running career?
A: The funniest thing that happened during my running career was when I first attempted the steeplechase at practice my junior year. My coach was recording so he could show us our form and I remember being very confident until I face planted. It hurt badly at the moment but it's a good laugh with my teammates now!
Q: Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
A: I would consider myself as my biggest competitor. When I was younger I was a sore loser but as I've grown and embraced this sport, I've realized you aren't losing as long as you're pushing yourself and giving it all you've got.
Q: What was your greatest accomplishment?
A: As far as track goes I would say my greatest accomplishment would be being apart of the 4x400m relay at state last year. We were the fastest all classes and I definitely couldn't have experienced that without my teammates. Off the track my most valuable accomplishments would be, being the Student Council President and Copy-Editor of the Yearbook.
Q: If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
A: I was out my junior cross country season with stress reaction so if I could do it all over again I would listen to my body, and stretch more to prevent the loss of a season. I would also not take anything for granted, I would relish every moment because you're always told how fast high school goes by but you don't realize how fast it goes by until it's over.
Q: What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
A: The most difficult obstacle I had to overcome was having stress reaction. I continued to practice every day but my practices were pool bound, and it was a struggle for me to stay motivated especially because I missed being at practice with my distance girls. I ended up pushing through that hardship and was able to go to the meets and cheer my teammates on.
Q: What will you miss the most?
A: A lot of distance runners I know prefer cross country over track but I don't, I love track. Yes, we all have our different events but at the end of the day, we would all come together as a team and celebrate each other's wins. I'll miss the atmosphere the most. The long bus rides where we would whip out our DSs and then share our extra snacks or eat a pizza after a successful meet. Gossiping or just ranting about the stress of school as the whole team warms up. Coming up with inside jokes like saying "it's a duck!" but I'll especially miss listening to Wynter Ramos sing, "Excuse Me Miss" by Chris Brown before every 4x400m relay.
Q: What advice would you give to younger athletes?
A: The advice I would give to younger athletes is to just take it all in and know that everything happens for a reason. Life isn't always fair but you have to roll with the punches and continue your journey. Don't let a setback determine your future, you have the power to prevail and push forward. You just have to remember that things will get better and all your hard work will pay off one way or another. Don't forget that you have worked hard to get to where you are, so don't underestimate yourself.
Q: What kind of an impact has your coach had on you and your team?
A: My coach could be stubborn but he always believed in you, even when you didn't believe in yourself. He knew what you're capable of and never neglected to remind you of what is possible if we just trust the process. I think my team has learned if you ask coach about the weather the response you'll get is, "Any weather is running weather!"
Q: What are your college plans?
A: I plan to continue my athletic and academic career at the University of Saint Mary. I plan to pursue a degree in teaching and I will be running cross country and track.
Q: Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
A: I would like to thank my parents and the rest of my family for their support on and off the track. A big shout out to my grandma who made sure I would never go hungry at a track meet. Coach Marriott for always reminding me of what I'm capable of and spending multiple hours talking and going over virtual meets. Coach J for helping me find my "Why?" as well as truly understand the meaning, thank you for being so passionate. Ron Wollenhaupt AKA the best athletic trainer for spending extra time to make sure I was healthy. A huge thanks to Chloe Manner for always picking me up at the end of the so my heart doesn't stop beating. Sarah Wagner who is wise beyond her years who taught me to enjoy the ride. My team for always cheering the loudest, maybe that's because we have that pioneer pride. Last I would like to thank God for giving me strength and guidance throughout my running career.
Q: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A: I will miss High school track and all of its joys but all good things come to an end and although I thought I had more time I am thankful that I was a Pioneer. We may be overlooked and underestimated but Leavenworth is filled with all kinds of talent we just need to show them what we're made of.
Q: Favorite Meal?
A: Chicken Alfredo with a whole loaf of bread!!! And a Chocolate pie as a victory treat!
Q: If you could be any animal what would you choose? and why?
A: I would be a duck because it is an icon on the team!
Q: Your favorite superhero?
A: I love batman but I'm going to have to go with Kid flash because I had a super big crush on him plus he has superspeed!