SPEEDWAY HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS

Today, we celebrate Madison Smith, a senior student-athlete at Speedway High School who has participated in volleyball, basketball, and track and field. Madison is also a top ten student in her graduating class. Madison’s impact on the Speedway high school community has been immediate and immense. Madison joined with three other classmates last spring to set a school record in the 4 * 100 relay. And Madison’s exploits don’t have to be posted on a wall to be easily recognized. “Madison has been an asset to the volleyball program over her tenure here,” noted varsity volleyball coach Sadie Pflum. “After suffering an injury her junior year that took her out for the season, she worked her tail off to recover and be eligible for our 2022 Regional match.” “As we began open gyms for her senior season, you could see her hunger to make up for lost time,” said Pflum. “She became a better leader. She had always been a selfless player but even more so her senior year as we moved her around our defense to get the best possible match ups.” As a junior and senior, Madison was named to the ICC Academic-All Conference teams in volleyball and track. She was the track MVP as both a freshman and a junior. And she won the the Mental Attitude Award in volleyball for her junior season. “Being involved in the school helps you create friendships, learn time management, and build greater connections with others around you,” noted Smith. “Growing up with a dad in the military, I was forced to move all over the country. Although I didn’t get to choose my life, I am thankful for the opportunity to have lived in so many unique places. The military taught me how to acclimate to any environment with people from all backgrounds.” “Her play style is one that is fun to watch,” noted Pflum. “She’s like a bulldog, never backs down, scraps, and fights for every ball. She’s quick as lightning, showing up at just the right moments when you’d think the play was dead. Somehow she was able to keep it alive.” Madison attributes her approach to the influence her father Chad has. “He has a special way at making connections and building relationships with anyone and everyone,” said Madison. “He is hard working, has grit (his favorite word), and knows how to deal with the good, the bad, and the ugly. I aspire to be half the person he is someday, and I hope to make an impact in other’s lives as he has made in mine.” “Madison will truly be missed, not only for her athletic abilities, but for the character she displayed her entire career,” said Pflum. Madison is the daughter of Chad and Jill Smith and has an older brother Evan and a younger sister, Morgan. Madison hopes to study accounting at Ole’ Miss.