By Ludi Canales
In today’s society, athletes have become more than just individuals who excel in their respective sports. They have become role models, inspiring people with dedication, perseverance, and achievements. A 2024 graduate, Maddison McClure has been pursuing her softball and volleyball careers all four years of high school.
McClure has been playing volleyball since 7th grade and softball for nine years. Playing both sports has opened up opportunities for McClure.
“Playing sports has allowed me to form friendships that have lasted for many years,” said McClure. “Softball has allowed me to venture the world and play in Barcelona, Spain.”
Last year McClure had the opportunity to make it to state with her softball team.
“Making it to state for softball last year was probably the biggest highlight of my sports career,” said McClure. “We battled back to force a second championship game. Even though we came in second, it was still an amazing experience.”
Skylar Estes has been McClure’s volleyball coach for two out of the four years McClure has played volleyball at Lowry. She enjoys and will miss McClure’s work ethic and how great of a teammate she is.
“Maddi is a standout player because of her work ethic and willingness to play whatever position I need her in, even if it is brand new to her,” said Estes. “She is a teammate that gets excited for everyone on the team. Every play she is cheering on and encouraging others.”
Estes hopes McClure’s expertise will help her in the long run.
“Her skills on and off of the court will take her far in whatever she wants to do in life,” said Estes. “I am excited to see where she takes her softball career and what she will do after that.”
Outside of high school sports, McClure helps with community programs.
“For the last few years, I have coached with the Gold Rush community as well as umped for the youth softball league,” said McClure.
Softball coach, Megan Maga has been with McClure since her sophomore year. Maga has great goals she hopes and knows McClure will achieve after high school.
“After high school, I know Maddi will excel,” said Maga. “She plans to play softball while pursuing her degree and I am so proud of her. I know she is going to do great things.”
Maga enjoys watching and coaching McClure and says she deserves to be the Athlete of the Issue as she has the perfect characteristics.
“On top of being a great softball player, she is an even better student,” said Maga. “She truly embodies what it means to be a student-athlete.”
McClure is also the president of the Future Business Leaders of America and the secretary of the National Honor Society student organization. She greatly values her academics and working towards her future.
After high school, McClure plans to study business at the College of Siskiyous to continue her softball career.
