Maddie Russin '20 Recruiting Profile

Hi! I’m Maddie. I’d like you to get to know me a little bit so that I can get to know you and your program!

In college I am hoping to study in an allied health field like Kinesiology (Exercise Science) with a possible minor in Business.  My ultimate goal is to be involved in a leadership and hands-on role in a multi-service training and fitness center, a place that can offer training facilities, nutritional support and education, strength and conditioning, physical therapy and possibly even sports medicine – all under one roof!

My high school track and field career has been exciting and fulfilling from Freshman year, when I was able to run varsity right from the beginning. To be able to train with the already accomplished varsity athletes gave me a real head start on developing the kinds of skills off the track that I will need all my adult life, like responsibility, time management, and conflict resolution… when you have a group of 70 teenage girls, there will be conflict!  I’ve also had a lot of chances to learn how to communicate with a whole bunch of different types of personalities, which I love to do, and seem to be pretty good at.  By far the most memorable track moment for me, so far, has been winning the State Championship 800 meter run my Sophomore year.   But just as important have been the State relay medals (2 indoor, 1 outdoor) I have helped to earn.  I love the feeling of helping to make sure that my teammates get to take home some hardware.  As I work toward completing my high school track career, I hope to continue to improve, and to try new things.  Just recently, I ran my first ever open 400m run, and I broke the school record!

I want to run track in college because I know the experience will give me an immediate sense of belonging, an immediate focus, and that the familiar routines of practice and conditioning will help me adjust to a new phase in my life.  A potential track scholarship is important to my family to help pay for an excellent education.  I am seeking an athletic program that will offer new challenges (I’d love to try new events!), coaching that will help me reach my full potential, and support services for academics, nutrition, physical and mental health. I am looking for a team culture that is low in drama (please!), high in emotional support, friendly and fun-loving, but serious about team goals.  I am hoping to find a team where I can make a difference from Day 1.

Some things you might like to know about me… I have four siblings, including a twin brother (who does NOT run track!).  I lived in Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio before moving to Indiana in the 8^th grade.  I love music, and I love to sing.  In 6^th grade, I had a leading role in a high school musical, and in 7^th grade I sang a leading role in an opera at the local university!