Madeline Whitehead '16 Recruiting Profile

My goal in college is to put academics first and sports second.  I have a very strong work ethic that I use in both my academic studies as well as both golf and tennis.  I understand the importance of practice and how that affects my performance in golf and tennis tournaments. I keep a positive attitude, even when things aren't going well. I believe what makes golf and tennis fun is that even though they're individual sports, its still important that my teammates stay positive and perform well. I'm excited when I see them succeed. 

I just turned 17 and I am the oldest of 2, my little sister is 14.  My family has a strong connection in basketball, tennis and golf. My grandfather, Bus Whitehead, played basketball for the University of Nebraska and then played AAU basketball for the Phillips 66ers. My mother played high school and competitive tennis and my father played golf and is a 10 handicap. 

I'm currently working with a local golf coach who has a designed workout and practice programs for me this winter for golf. We are fortunate in Lincoln, Nebraska to have a golf garage facility as well as an indoor putting green.  This is my first time practicing golf in the winter. I practice 2 hours a week during the winter, but as spring and summer approaches, I have a golf club in my hand everyday, whether its hitting on the driving range, putting, or playing out on the course.

I also play tennis during the winter as spring tryouts are right around the corner.  I practice 2 hours 2 times a week and an hour with my private tennis coach.  I also do weight training exercises twice a week.  Currently I'm focusing on doubles tennis, but keeping a golf club in my hand. In the spring and summer, I practice every day for 2 hours.