Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Notre Dame Academy, softball, dance team
Parents’ names: Aaron and Ann Hilts
Siblings: I am an only child.
Instagram: @maddiehilts_7
Position or events: On Dance Team I compete in Jazz, Pom, and Hip Hop and I play first base in softball.
Career highlight:
Dance Team: Our team qualifying for State for the third year in a row and earning All-State honors for my solo.
Softball: The team advancing in the playoffs with a win over Little Chute and making FRCC All-Conference Honorable Mention.
At what age did you start playing your main sport?
I started playing softball when I was seven and dance when I was three.
Who introduced you to the sport?
My Grandpa Joe. He always loved baseball and softball. My parents encouraged me to try many sports. Dance and softball are the two that stuck!
Has this always been your favorite sport?
I have always loved both sports because they allow me to use various skills. I like working with different kinds of teams, and the opportunity to express creativity and competitiveness.
How has balancing academics and athletics been different for you from your freshman year to your senior year?
The older I am, the more challenging school work has become, but juggling it gets easier. It’s all about using time wisely at school and at home to have a balance.
What is your favorite part about this sport? What about it has caused you to stick with it for this long?
For softball I love how everyone needs to do their job to allow the team to function. One hit, a double play, stealing, anything can be the difference maker and team cohesion is huge.
For dance I love how no routine is the same. Each routine is a new way to be creative and push yourself to become even better.
What would you say is your biggest asset on the field/court/ice?
I feel that I always push myself and my teammates to be the best version of themselves by being positive and believing that we always have the opportunity to win. (the score always starts at 0-0)
What has been your most memorable experience in high school sports so far?
The wins are always what come to mind first, but the long practices and nights where you stay late, continuing to push each other to reach your goals, have been the most memorable experiences for me.
How does it feel as a senior, to look back throughout high school and see your growth (as a person and athlete)?
It is crazy to think how quickly the four years have gone. It’s also humbling to be a senior and know I’m now in a position where the freshmen are potentially looking up to me the way I did four years ago.
Do you have any pre-match rituals/routines/superstitions?
I always do the same warm up in the on deck circle and I need to listen to hype music before a performance.
Do you take any extra steps to prepare for a big match/game/meet, outside of regular practices?
I practice on my own and work on parts of routines or the side of the ball I am struggling with to come prepared for practice.
Any memorable coaches or teammates you’d like to give a shout out to?
In softball, Coach Scott Hermes and Mark Hermes. In dance, Coach Miranda Roehl for pushing me to be the best athlete I can be.
Any hobbies outside of sports?
I love reading, hanging out with friends and participating in student government, NHS and French Club.
Favorite song?
“Maine” by Noah Kahan.
Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade or water?
Water is my go to.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I share a birthday with my Grandma Sue.
Future Plans? (college, major, career, etc.)
I plan to study psychology and political science in college eventually getting a degree in Elder Law.
