student spotlight
By Sanaya Attari
Fantastic Fore Madison Spiess succeeds while having fun
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Photos courtesy of Madison Spiess
hile it’s true that you need hard work, determination and perseverance to succeed, Madison Spiess might argue that the secret ingredient to success is having fun. “I’ve definitely gone through phases where I’ve needed more practice, but I’ve always been the most successful at (golf) when I’m having fun,” she says. Being one of only 29 female golfers in the nation to have received the 2020 American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Scholastic Junior All-American Award, Spiess says it was the constant support from family and friends that helped her get this far. Having first started playing golf at age 4, Spiess is now a senior at New Albany High School. The award, which recognizes junior golfers who have excellent academic and athletic records, was particularly special in a year when, due to the pandemic, Spiess was unable to compete as much as in a typical year. Spiess first started playing golf with her dad and brother. As she became more and more skilled, however, her parents emphasized the importance of having fun, rather than taking home wins. It was that lesson which inspired her love and eventual success. www.healthynewalbanymagazine.com
