Madelyn Bridge is making the most of her senior year at Chandler High School. A member of the cross country and track teams, Bridge has learned that success comes from commitment, perseverance and the willingness to keep improving.
For Bridge, the motivation is clear. She wants to see the daily work she puts into training result in faster performances and new personal records.
“Running to get new PRs is what motivates me,” Bridge said.
Distance running has strengthened Bridge both physically and mentally. She said mental preparation is essential when dealing with difficult practices, demanding races and the long process of improvement.
“It has taken a lot of mental work and perseverance to be successful in my sport,” Bridge said.
Although she enjoys pursuing personal records, Bridge said the best part of her high school career has been the relationships formed with her teammates. Chandler’s cross country team may be small, but the runners have built a strong connection after spending years training together.
“I feel like the highlight of my career is just everyday practice and getting to be surrounded by my small, but amazing team,” Bridge said. “We all have been running together for awhile, so it just feels like family.”
Bridge said teammate Carsyn Ball has become one of the runners she most enjoys competing against in practice. Ball is in her first year of high school cross country, but she has already made an impact by giving Bridge someone who helps raise the level of training.
“The teammate I enjoy working against the most is Carsyn Ball,” Bridge said. “She doesn’t think she does, but she pushes me in practice.”
Bridge also values the example of senior teammate Rhett Haley. As the only senior boy on the team, Haley encourages younger runners, offers advice and makes sure their achievements are recognized.
Beyond athletics, Bridge serves as senior class president, National Honor Society president and student council vice president. Balancing those responsibilities with sports, schoolwork, other activities and a part-time job takes focus and time management.
Her mother is Bridge’s biggest role model because of the work she puts into reaching her goals and the way she pushes Bridge to reach her full potential. Bridge said representing Chandler means representing more than herself. She wants her coaches, school and community to be proud of the way her team competes and carries itself.
