JEFF FIELDER Editor
GERING – Madi Schlaepfer, a senior at Gering High School, has been named Nspire Today!’s Female Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance. Schlaepfer earned a runner-up finish last month in the Nebraska Class B state golf tournament at Monument Shadows Golf Course in Gering. For the season, Schlaepfer placed first in five tournaments and was second in two other tournaments. She also earned a runner-up finish at districts. Schlaepfer was a four-time state tournament medalist, placing ninth her freshman year, seventh her sophomore year, fifth her junior year, and second this year. Schlaepfer also excels in the classroom as she holds a 4.0 GPA. Other school activities she participates in are National Honor Society, GGAA, and yearbook. After she graduates from high school, she plans to continue her education and play golf in college – likely either at Chadron State College or William Penn University in Iowa. She wants to major in elementary education. Her parents are Doneta and Josh Schlaepfer. For being named an Athlete of the Week, Madi will receive a gift card for a free drink at Scooter’s Coffee.
Q: Talk about how your golf season went overall.
SCHLAEPFER: “Overall, I thought it was a pretty successful season. It didn’t quite end the way I wanted it to, but just having another opportunity to play golf this season was awesome. I was able to set a school record, and I was able to improve my game.” Editor’s note: Schlaepfer set a school record by shooting a 67 at the Lexington Invite. Her previous best score was 71.
Q: What were your goals coming into the season?
SCHLAEPFER: “My biggest goal was to win state, but after I started playing this season, my focus was just on improving my game each day. If I got beat, then I got beat. I wasn’t worried about winning. I just wanted to improve, so that motivated me to work harder every time I practiced.”
Q: How exciting was it to improve your placing at state every year of high school?
SCHLAEPFER: “It was pretty cool. Ever since I placed in my first meet as a freshman, my goal was to be a four-time state qualifier. It’s cool to be able to say I was a four-time state medalist.”
Q: What helped you improve your golf game every year?
SCHLAEPFER: “Practicing a lot, especially improving my swing. I got in contact with a swing coach, and he’s helped me a lot. He helped me get my swing to where it needs to be. My freshman year my swing wasn’t very good, so improving my swing really helped my game. Improving my mental game really helped, too.”
Q: What was your most memorable tournament this season?
SCHLAEPFER: “I would say the Lexington meet, where I got the school record. Also, state was a lot of fun, too, especially since it was here. Even though I fell short [of winning state], it was still super memorable. It’s something I’ll remember forever. I feel lucky I got to experience everything I did this season.”
Q: Are you pleased with how your entire golf career went?
SCHLAEPFER: “I had a really fun career. I got to be part of some great teams, and it was fun playing in all the different tournaments. I think I closed out my high school golf career well. Now, I’m looking forward to trying to improve my game even more in college.”
Q: Have you always wanted to play golf in college?
SCHLAEPFER: “No, not until a few years ago. Going into my freshman year, I didn’t know whether I should do golf or volleyball. I enjoyed both sports. It was a hard decision because I felt like I was decent at volleyball, and I thought I could compete. But I enjoyed golf, too, and since my whole family enjoys golf so much, I knew they would be out there really supporting me. I’m glad I picked golf. It’s been a lot of fun.”
Q: Why are you interested in going to either Chadron State College or William Penn University?
SCHLAEPFER: “I’m looking at Chadron State because it’s close to home, and I like the atmosphere there. With William Penn, I like the atmosphere there, too. I also like that they have 15 spots on their golf team, so I would have a good opportunity to play.”
Q: Have you set some goals yet for your first year of college golf?
SCHLAEPFER: “I just want to work hard and try to keep getting better.”
Q: How does it feel to still have a 4.0 GPA?
SCHLAEPFER: “It’s super exciting. I’ve put a lot of work into it, so to still have a 4.0 is really exciting. I know I’ll need to keep working hard to finish with a 4.0.”
Q: Talk about why getting excellent grades, especially maintaining a 4.0, is so important to you.
SCHLAEPFER: “I think it shows what type of person you are – how hard you’re willing to work – and I think it also shows that you’re capable of achieving a lot.”
Q: Are you really excited to start your college career, or are you a little sad that your high school career is almost over?
SCHLAEPFER: “I’m a little sad that high school is about over, but I’m also excited to go to college. I know in five years I’ll probably be teaching in the classroom, so I’m looking forward to getting my education degree.”
Q: What got you interested in teaching?
SCHLAEPFER: “One year during Thanksgiving with our family, my aunt said, ‘You’re super good with kids. I could see you working with kids in a classroom.’ I really thought about it. I really do like kids, and I enjoy school, so I thought, ‘I might as well be a teacher.’”
Q: What do you think you would like best about being a teacher?
SCHLAEPFER: “I would like interacting with the kids and helping them learn. Even now, sometimes I’ll help students. To help them learn feels really awesome.”
Q: What is your favorite subject?
SCHLAEPFER: “Math. It’s just something I’ve always enjoyed.”
Q: What grade level would you like to teach?
SCHLAEPFER: “Upper elementary. I think I would really like fourth grade.”
Q: During your educational career, which teacher do you feel has made the biggest influence on you?
SCHLAEPFER: “Mrs. [JoAnn] Wilson. No matter how her day is going, she’ll always be there for you. She can tell if you’re struggling or having a bad day, and she’ll talk to you. She’ll also do nice things like send an email saying, ‘Good job.’ Also, her classroom is really fun. I really look up to her. I’d like to be like her.”
Q: Outside of your school activities, what do you like to do for fun?
SCHLAEPFER: “I study a lot, but I also like to hang out with friends. I also like to hang out with my family.”
Q: With Thanksgiving coming up, talk about what you’re thankful for.
SCHLAEPFER: “I’m thankful for my family and all the opportunities they’ve given me. I’m also thankful for my friends and teachers and all the other people who have been a positive influence on me during my life. Also, during these tough times with COVID, I’m thankful for all the people who are helping us get through it and for keeping us going every day.”
Q: What are your three favorite apps on your cell phone?
SCHLAEPFER: “Snapchat, TikTok, and Twitter.”
Q: What’s at the top of your Christmas wish list?
SCHLAEPFER: “I would say clothes. I really like sweatpants and sweatshirts.”
Q: When you’re done with college, would you like to return to the Gering area to teach?
SCHLAEPFER: “I think so. I like seeing people who graduated from Gering High School come back to teach. I think it would be cool to do that myself.”
Q: What has it been like growing up in the community of Gering?
SCHLAEPFER: “I’ve really enjoyed it. People are very supportive here – they’re willing to help other people. Also, there’s a lot of school spirit here. Adults are willing to help at sporting events and also at other events going on in the community. There’s a lot of people here who are willing to volunteer. It doesn’t bother them to go out of their way to help other people.”
Q: What is one thing you wish people would do more often?
SCHLAEPFER: “Use their manners more.”
Q: Name one person who you think is a big difference-maker in the Gering community.
SCHLAEPFER: “Jennifer Sibal. Not only does she work hard for the school, but she also does a lot of stuff in the community. It’s super cool to see the time and hard work she puts in to help other people.”
Q: Do you have any siblings?
SCHLAEPFER: “I have one brother, Tristian. He’s a freshman.”
If you would like to nominate someone for Nspire Today!’s Athletes of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, LLC – American Family Insurance, you may do so by sending an email to jeff.fielder@nspiretoday.com or by mailing a letter to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. Nominations may also be submitted by sending a text to 308-220-8865.
In addition to being recognized online, athletes of the week will also be recognized in Nspire Today! magazine. To sign up for a one-year subscription (12 issues) to the magazine, please send $15 to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. To pay with a credit card, please call 308-220-8865.
For all your insurance needs, visit The Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance, located at 1012 Ave. I in Scottsbluff, or call 308-632-8598.
