2022-12-01 Dec 22 Student Athlete Mary Hartung

Sport(s) Played: Basketball

Q1: Why did you choose the sport(s) that you play?
Basketball has always been a huge part of my life. My dad started coaching me in 2nd grade and kept pushing me to play and get better.

Q2: What is your favorite Madeira sports memory?
My favorite memory would have to be when we went to Transylvania University for the summer basketball camp. Playing multiple games in a day with all your friends and then going out to dinner after was super fun.

Q3: How do you get motivated to practice each and every day?
I get motivated by looking at the bigger picture and thinking about the next game that we have to win. Practice is always fun and upbeat with this season’s team so there is always something to look forward to.

Q4: What is your favorite pre-game meal and why do you eat that?
My favorite pre-game meal would probably be an egg and cheese bagel or something light. This gives me the energy I need to get through the game and then after I can go eat a meal.

Q5: Which athlete do you admire most and why?
I look up to everyone that has been in the Amazon program. Everyone that has been here and is here right now has something to offer. I like learning from these girls before, after, and in season.

Q6: What makes a great teammate?
A great teammate is someone who can find your weaknesses and strengths and build them up. They are able to use your strengths to help you and are able to give you constructive criticism in a way that helps you and your team be better.

Q7: What is on your pre-game playlist?
The top 3 artists on the playlist would have to be Kanye, Pitbull, and Drake.

Q8: What is the funniest thing that you have seen or happened to you in a practice or game?
The funniest thing is definitely hard to say. There is always something new to laugh about. Whether is it Coach Kline’s outfits or Rylee Gabbard and I making up daily one-liners that you will hear the whole practice, there is always something.

Q9: What is next after you graduate?
After I graduate, I hope to go to college and study Early Childhood Education.

Q10: What advice would you give an 8th grade athlete as they move on to high school sports?
My advice to girls and boys going into high school to play a sport would be to just have fun. High school is a stressful time but surrounding yourself with a team or someone you can lean on is essential. Just have fun and play hard because before you realize, it will be your last time stepping out on that court or field.