Madeleine Keefe '19 Recruiting Profile

My interest in running began in fourth grade with a town-wide elementary cross country program.  It continued in middle school when I joined the school team and was captain 2 of the 3 years on the team.  Now in high school, my love for cross country has grown in so many ways, it is part of who I have become.  I am currently on track to be a 12 season athlete, including:  Fall cross country (junior year captain), dual sporting winters with indoor track and ski team (junior year captain), and Spring track. I balance my time running with a rigorous academic program of Honors and AP courses, National and Science Honor Societies, and student government.  I feel that running helps me focus personally on and off the course and organize my time to be most efficient in my academics.  Also important are the bonds I have formed with my fellow teammates, my coaches, even other athletes from different schools.  I have made such wonderful friendships in sharing this sport I love so much.

It is important for me to find a school that can fit my needs as a student first and foremost, but also as an athlete.  Being part of a team has grown into a part of my life that I truly cherish.  I strive to improve with every workout for myself, but also in every season for my team.  I have felt the overwhelming satisfaction and happiness of watching me and my team get better, stronger, faster with every passing meet.  In my sophomore year, we had the chance to travel to New York to compete in the Nike Regional race, what a great experience! Even greater is how close we grow as a team unit throughout the season. This year as captain, I have particularly enjoyed helping to build team unity, develop team goals, create enthusiasm and a caring environment for each girl on my team.  Working with my coach and team, this year we were able to score third in our State Divisional Meet which moved our entire team onto the State Meet of Champions for the first time in many years.  It was such a great moment and it was a season I will never forget.

I want to be able to transfer both my academic goals and my running skills to the college/university level to continue to be well-rounded.  I look forward to both a promising senior year and continuing beyond.  I know with continued hard work, I will do well and be able to contribute in a positive manner both academically and athletically in a Cross Country/Track program.