Name: Madesen Holman
High School: Sparkman High School
What was your most memorable meet and why?
The Friday of the State Meet was my most memorable meet. There I ran the 400m and that would be my last one of the season, as well as the last chance I'd get to run under a minute, for a scholarship opportunity. After I finished my race I had an undeniable feeling in my heart that I had hit my goal time and turns out that I did. Resulting in me gaining a scholarship at Jacksonville State University.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
Definitely at state, because that was where the best of the best in my section were.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most and why?
Having the ability to advance in every race weekly, setting personal records. Gaining a D1 track scholarship, because my odds were not in my favor looking prospectively in the beginning. I had taken a year and a half off because of injuries and personal reasons, so coming back to run and compete at such a level my senior year was daunting, to say the least. I was taking on all virtual classes, finding ways to work out twice a day, figure out aspects of potential colleges, going to work, and still trying to find peace in the end of it all. Through this year alone and the challenges I've faced I can stand to attest the greatest advice, no matter how cliche, is to never give up and always persevere no matter how tired, if there is a goal there is a way to reach it.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your running career in high school?
In my running career I wouldn't have continued training with a certain coach during my 11th-grade year. In removing myself from that situation I would not have had prolonged injuries, insecurities within myself, and would be miles ahead of where I am today, nevertheless, in endurance and perseverance I still stand and am stronger today because of it, albeit in different aspects.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome during your HS Track career?
After 9th grade I had to transfer cities during the summer due to family issues and joining a new team the following year was monumental considering where I came from was all I knew. In 10th grade at the end of indoor season I suffered a hamstring pull, one of the most frustrating things I have ever dealt with. Having not ever experienced an injury I wasn't sure what to expect, and with the lack of knowledge I had, I continued pushing through the pain which further injured me and caused me to be out immensely longer than I should've been. In 11th grade, I was training with a particular coach we'd continuously train with nothing to show for it, since I didn't have any times because he wouldn't enter me into any meets, while telling me that I shouldn't work out with my school's track team.
What will you miss the most?
I'll miss the sectional and state meets the most because those are the meets that are the payoff for me. Those meets are, to me, physical evidence of the hard work I've put in to be there. The moments before the races at sectionals and state are surreal to me because it's along the lines of "this is what I've worked for".
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
If it's your passion never give up, never ever ever. Put your full mind and body into your sport, and the guaranteed payoff will come no matter how long it may take or seem to be taking. Your hard work will pay off, always persevere, and never give up!!
What are your post-high school or college plans? Who would you like to say thank you to?
My post-high school plans are to go full throttle in pursuing a career as a veterinarian as well as running track on Jacksonville State's team. Being a veterinarian has been my dream since the beginning of time and for me to be able to have financial assistance in college from my talent in track is an amazing opportunity and truly a blessing. I'd like to thank Allen Poole for always believing in me even though having COVID-19, William Doug Greene for always speaking positivity into my life, coaching and mentoring me in everything, and always being there for me no matter what, as well as Coach Cydnicia Wade for always taking the time of her busy days to be an amazing coach and speaking knowledge into my areas of ignorance.
