FEATURED SENIOR ATHLETE: Madison Houser, North Putnam

Madison is a senior at North Putnam and participates in one sport, golf. She is the daughter of Nichole (mother, husband Nick) Garver and Sam (father, wife Ellen) Houser.

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Banner Graphic: How important are sports to you, and what have you learned from them?

Madison Houser: “Sports are important when it comes to character building, but for me, they never come over school and family. I have learned a lot about myself through sports. In golf for instance, I have learned patience, and, I have honestly learned to just be a better human while being around my coach, Mr. Earl Hall.”

BG: Talk about golf.

MH: “I enjoy golf a lot. For me it is just super relaxing and I love that I get to be outside, just focus on what I am doing, and my own game. Something that I really appreciate about this sport is that it is something that I will be able to do for the rest of my life. It’s a hobby I will forever enjoy, and I just really love that.”

BG: What’s the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you in sports?

MH: “The most embarrassing thing that has ever happened while playing sports probably happened when I played basketball for one year while I was a freshman. When I was coming out of the game I tried to high five a referee who was standing there with his hands up to make a call. I don’t think a bunch of people noticed it, but my family sure did because they still tease me about it today.”

BG: What does your game day routine look like?

MH: “The days we have meets I honestly don’t do anything too special. I always make sure my skirt and polo is ironed and looks nice and then I have to put on lots of sunscreen since we walk around in the sun for hours. Besides that I just try to go into every meet with a positive attitude and just be happy that I am there.”

BG: Do you have any favorite college/pro sports teams or athletes you follow?

MH: “My family and I are big MLB fans. My favorite player is Kris Bryant, but I really just like him because I love to follow his wife and their adorable babies.”

BG: The past few seasons, you’ve been part of a North Putnam team that has been at the top or right near in the county match as well as competitive at a number of other events. This season, you’re a two-woman outfit. While disappointing, how have you kept your approach to the season even without being able to compete as a team throughout the year?

MH: “I am really just thankful that I am able to golf this season. Yes, it does stink that we do not have a full team but it could always be worse, like I could have not had a senior season at all. This sport is really just about showing up, trying to get better, beating my own scores and having fun. I don’t need a full team for that so this season is still great.”

BG: What else do you do at school besides things involving sports?

MH: “At school I participate in student council, NHS, Key Club, FCA, social studies academic team, English academic team, and a program called Cougar Power, where I visit our elementary schools twice a week to mentor an elementary schooler.”

BG: What do you like to do outside of school and sports?

MH: “Outside of school, sports, and other activities, I like to read, hang out with my friends and family, visit state parks, and binge my favorite TV shows.”

BG: What was the last book you read?

MH: “‘Maybe in Another Life,’ by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

BG: ...the last television show/movie you watched?

MH: “The last TV show I watched is ‘Love Island.’”

BG: ...the last song you had to listen to right that moment?

MH: “The last song I have listened to is ‘Caught’ by Florence and the Machine.”

BG: Your practice/event was canceled for the night. With free time in hand you didn’t anticipate having, what are you off to go do?

MH: “With my free time on a week night, I am definitely getting my homework done after school and getting to sleep as early as possible.”

BG: What is something you have never done before that you would like to do someday?

MH: “I would love to hold a baby panda.”

BG: What is your biggest fear?

MH: “My biggest fear is definitely losing the people I love.”

BG: You’ve been placed in charge of making dinner. What’s on the menu?

MH: “I would make some gluten-free fettuccine, chicken alfredo with side salads.”

BG: Do you have any pets?

MH: “I have a mini yorkie-poo named Ollie, a mini bernedoodle named Stewart, and two turtles, Jimmy and Jenny.”

BG: If your house were on fire, all living things were already out and you have your keys, cell phone, wallet/purse etc., what is one thing you would go back and get?

MH: “I would go back to get my stuffed panda that has lived on my bed since I was four years old.”

BG: A family member has hit the lottery. After everything is paid off and money is set away for the future, you’ve been asked to buy something you have always wanted to get. What are you asking for?

MH: “I would definitely ask my parents to put in a hot tub.”

BG: If you were to describe your personality in one word, what would that word be and why?

MH: “Ambitious, because I have goals in life and I work hard to make them happen.”

BG: What has been your favorite place to visit?

MH: “One of my favorite places I have ever visited is Red Rocks Amphitheater in Red Rocks, Colo.”

BG: What was your favorite school field trip? (From any year, not just high school)

MH: “My favorite school field trip was the Children’s Museum in early elementary school. Maybe second grade?”

BG: How important is support from those around you to your success?

MH: “I think support from certain people is important to my success, but I do not need everyone to like and support me in life to be successful. It is really just important to me to have the support of my family and my good friends though.”

BG: Describe your overall school experience both academically and athletically.

MH: “Overall, I would describe my experience academically as successful, as I have been able to learn a lot throughout my years in school. When it comes to athletically I would describe my experience as fun and rewarding.”

BG: If your school was to offer a class it currently doesn’t, what would you want to see taught?

MH: “I would love to have an AP European History class, but that is because I would want to have my favorite history teacher again.”

BG: What are your plans for after high school, and what career are you headed toward?

MH: “As of right now I plan on pursuing a four-year degree in biology, and then containing my education to get my doctorate and work in the medical research science field.”

BG: Is it difficult to keep up with your school work being an athlete?

MH: “I do not think it’s difficult to keep up with any school work, it just definitely keeps you busy.”

BG: Which particular classes and teachers have helped you the most in high school?

MH: “Mr. Kyle Morgan has been the most helpful teacher in high school. I took my first ever AP class with him, AP World History, my sophomore year, and it definitely taught me how to be a successful student and how to excel in advanced classes. Mr. Morgan is also just a great role model and support system to have as you navigate through high school.”

BG: In the future, once you’ve established yourself, and if you had your choice, what is your ideal living situation?

MH: “I would love to live somewhere different than here. The northeast coast sounds nice, maybe in Rhode Island or even up by Maine. I would love to have a small coastal cottage with tons of windows.”

BG: Do you think high school has gone fast, and are you going to miss it?

MH: “I do think that high school has flown by pretty quickly, but after I leave I won’t miss it. I cannot wait to move on and experience new things. The only thing that I will miss is living with my family after I go to college, because I do love being with them.”