JEFF FIELDER Editor
DALTON – Maddy Watchorn, a senior at Leyton High School, is this week’s Nspire Today! Female Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance. Watchorn helped Leyton enjoy a successful season in volleyball, finishing with a 17-16 record. She also competes in basketball and track and field (hurdles, 400, and 4×400). She’s president of the student council, and she’s also involved in National Honor Society and her youth group at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dalton. She has a 3.9 GPA. Her parents are Ryan and Becky Watchorn.
Q: Talk about how this season went for the Leyton volleyball team.
WATCHORN: “I thought it went pretty well. I definitely think we ended our season on a high note. We started playing together more. It was a lot of fun.”
Q: Did the season go like you thought it might, or did Leyton exceed your expectations?
WATCHORN: “I thought we did pretty good, but I definitely think we could have made it to state.”
Q: You were one of two seniors on the team. How much did you enjoy being a senior leader this year?
WATCHORN: “We didn’t have many starters back from last year’s team, and we had a lot of younger girls on this year’s team. So, it was fun to play with those new girls and help them.”
Q: What was your main message to those younger girls on the team?
WATCHORN: “To play with your heart, have fun, and just try to do the best you can.”
Q: How many years did you start in volleyball?
WATCHORN: “All four of my high school years.”
Q: Are you going to continue playing volleyball in college?
WATCHORN: “I verbally committed [last summer] to Concordia [in Seward].”
Q: How exciting is it to know that your volleyball career will continue in college?
WATCHORN: “It’s really exciting. It’s definitely my favorite sport.”
Q: Why did you decide to play volleyball at Concordia?
WATCHORN: “They have a really good program. They got a couple new coaches, and ever since those new coaches came in, they’ve been getting better and better. I just think it’s a really good school, and it’s a really good fit for me.”
Q: How excited are you for the high school basketball season?
WATCHORN: “I miss volleyball, but I’m ready for the basketball season.”
Q: What’s the season outlook for the Leyton girls basketball team?
WATCHORN: “Personally, my goal is to get 1,000 points [for her career], and as a team, our goal is to get to state.”
Q: How many starters are back this year?
WATCHORN: “I think we have four starters back.”
Q: Have you started four years in basketball?
WATCHORN: “Yes.”
Q: What position do you play in basketball?
WATCHORN: “I play post and wing.”
Q: You’re involved in National Honor Society. Talk about how important grades are to you.
WATCHORN: “Grades are very, very important to me. It’s hard to get all A’s, so I always have to ask for help and just work hard every day.”
Q: What’s your favorite subject?
WATCHORN: “This year my favorite subject is probably CNA or business math.”
Q: What degree do you plan to pursue in college?
WATCHORN: “I think I want to do something in the medical field.”
Q: Why did you get interested in the medical field?
WATCHORN: “My mom is a radiologist [in Sidney]. Also, my aunt is a nurse.”
Q: How much are you looking forward to starting your college career?
WATCHORN: “I’m sad to leave my family, but I’m also ready to start my new adventure.”
Q: During your educational career, which teacher do you feel has made the biggest influence on you?
WATCHORN: “Probably Coach [Jodi] Craig. She’s my volleyball coach and is one of our teachers. She’s always helping people in volleyball, track, and in school.”
Q: Who do you think is the kindest student at Leyton High School?
WATCHORN: “Probably Zac Henke. He’s a really good leader, and he’s nice to everyone. If you need help with school work, he’ll help you.”
Q: Outside of your school activities, what do you like to do for fun?
WATCHORN: “I like to go hunting, fishing, tubing and boating at the lake, and I like watching movies and hanging out with friends and family.”
Q: Favorite local restaurant?
WATCHORN: “I like Perkins and Runza.”
Q: What is one thing you wish people would do more of?
WATCHORN: “Be more kind to people and just help out more. Don’t be about, ‘Me, me, me.’ Give to other people.”
Q: Favorite TV show?
WATCHORN: “All American.”
Q: What are the top three apps you use on your cell phone?
WATCHORN: “Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter.”
Q: Name one person who you think is a big difference-maker in your community.
WATCHORN: “I would say my grandma Kathy Watchorn. She volunteers all the time.”
Q: Do you have any siblings?
WATCHORN: “Yes. I have a sister [Claire, 13] and a brother [Alec, 11].”
If you would like to nominate someone for Nspire Today!’s Athletes of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, 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. If you would like to increase your subscription to $20, Nspire Today! will donate the extra $5 in October to the Panhandle Humane Society.
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.
