Oswego East Student-Athlete of the Week-Madye Greenwood

Oswego IL

06 May, 2022

12:21 PM

Description

Almost immediately after meeting senior Madye Greenwood, it is abundantly clear she has the type of personality that people immediately gravitate towards. Even when attending softball camps at OE as only an 8-year-old it was clear to head coach Sara Davies that Madye was always going to stand out. "She was so memorable from our summer camps because of her loquacious personality, but she is so much more," says Sarah. Madye's infectious personality, combined with her high level of talent, leadership for her teammates, and excellence in the classroom is why she is this week's Oswego East student-athlete of the week. Madye started playing t-ball at the young age of 5 and was fortunate to join the Wheatland Spikes. It was here that she was able to meet several girls who would eventually go on to become her teammates at OE. "The bonds that formed between the girls when they were little were important over the years, and Madye always knew she had a support system and group of friends she could turn to on and off the field," says Jim Greenwood, Madye's father. Having those friends alongside her on the journey is what has helped make being a member of the softball team worth it for Madye. "The social aspect of softball is really what draws me to the sport," says Madye. She goes on to say," I'm a very social person and thrive in social settings. When I see my teammates and friends doing well it makes me happy." As a freshman, Madye played on the JV team, and since her sophomore year has been a staple on the varsity team. "Madye's tenacity makes her a truly incredible softball player," says Coach Davies. She goes on to add, "Madye has the ability to work harder than anyone else and make the tough plays when we need them. She is the best teammate out on the field-always communicating, talking, and pumping up her teammates." Madye currently has a .313 batting average, 23 RBIs, and 12 runs scored. Madye serves as a utility player for the Wolves, playing all across the diamond. Last season she was named a member of both the all-conference and all-area teams. But more than Madye's accolades have been her ability to lead her team this season after having been voted almost unanimously a captain for the Wolves. "Madye has been one of the best captains I've had because she can talk to anyone, makes her teammates feel good about themselves, but, most importantly, she holds them accountable," says Sarah. She goes on to say, "Madye is not afraid to approach her teammates and tell them to get to work or stay positive. She shows her heart through her ability to lead and truly care about each one of her teammates. She has created some great working relationships, and some great friendships by helping her team open up." Those bonds go beyond the diamond and into the classroom. Madye joined Oswego East's "Best Buddies" program, which allows upperclassmen to work with the school's LSP students with special needs. The program's requirements and Madye's outgoing and empathetic personality were a perfect match. The program's director, Shay Brown, observes every day just what kind of impact Madye has on her classmates, saying, "Madye is so kind to everyone she encounters. She is open to helping anyone around her and communicates at each individual's specific level and needs. She thinks of them as her peers and true friends and I love seeing her interactions each day." Madye's father Jim saw the impact the program had on Madye, saying, "Madye was amazed by the bright spirits and open hearts that the young people in Best Buddies have. Best Buddies helped Madye find her passion and she made some great friends along the way." Madye has always had an interest in science and medicine, and both the science programs and Best Buddies program at OE helped her refine her future career. "I was always interested in science, and taking all of the science classes helped me realize what I wanted to do with my future," says Madye. That future includes an opportunity to play softball for Benedictine University and major in Biology and pre-med, with her sights set on becoming a neurologist or general practitioner with a focus on individuals with special needs. Madye's counselor, Nicole Perry, does not doubt that Madye will succeed this fall and beyond, saying, "Madye is passionate about what she is learning, and always finds the best in any situation. It would be important to note that no one should ever, under any circumstances, underestimate her. Madye is dedicated to her studies and better furthering herself academically." Shay Brown echoes those sentiments, saying, "I have seen Madye's determination throughout her years in high school. If she is determined to do something, it will happen for her." That determination is something the lady Wolves will need as they continue to gain momentum heading into the last third of the season. Before she graduates in two weeks, Madye passes on what she has learned to future Wolves, saying, "Everyone says that four years goes by super fast, but you don't realize it until is the last month of senior year, so make sure you get involved in as many activities and clubs as possible while you're here to meet as many people as possible." The bonds Madye has created with her teammates and, more importantly, her classmates in the Best Buddies program, have given her not only lasting memories but have reinforced her future career.