Scholar Athlete: Madeleine Webster

WATERLOO, Wisconsin — Three-sport athlete Madeleine Webster says she uses physical activity to balance her busy schedule.

“Attending practice is almost a release.

That positive outlook has inspired her team as well. Her cross-country teammates have voted her team captain for the past two seasons.

“She was exceptional. All the girls looked up to her. She always came with a smile and ready to run in practice,” said Todd, Waterloo’s assistant cross-country coach. Forman said.

Webster also ran and threw the discus for the track team and captained the basketball team.

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“I really like leading the team. I always try to motivate everyone to do their best in practices and games,” said Webster.

Her leadership and teamwork abilities are also demonstrated in the classroom.

“She is curious and won’t leave you alone if you don’t understand something. I ask for it,” said Sherry Scharrenbrock, a math teacher at Waterloo High School.

Webster’s teachers said she isn’t afraid to show her classmates that they sometimes don’t even have the answers.

“When we come across a situation where we don’t know something, we have to look for answers. It’s that investigative thinking that helps her move forward,” says Emily, an English teacher at Waterloo High School. Shimelfenig said.

Webster said he would have had a perfect GPA if he hadn’t gotten a single B in AP Chemistry. But instead of letting her down, she said she’s looking on the bright side.

(Spectrum News 1/Jon Fuller)

“It was very challenging and I had to let it go. I worked hard for that B. That’s more important than the A,” Webster said.

High school seniors applied to many organizations. In fact, Webster says volunteering at a hospital inspired his career path.

Next year, Webster plans to study nursing at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She has a minor in Spanish and currently she is teaching her ESL students in kindergarten.

“Being able to go there since the beginning of the year and hear her speak English is absolutely amazing,” Webster said.

Webster’s inquisitive mind and strong work ethic led to her high school success. She will probably ask more questions and lead more people in college next year.