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Chouteau's Madelynn Stutzman – Mayes County Academic Athlete of the Month – Presented by MidAmerica Industrial Park
- Updated: February 6, 2019
Madelynn Stutzman started playing basketball in the second grade with several players on her current team at Chouteau High School. Because they have played together for so long, she considers her team part of her family.
“What I love most about my team and teammates is how connected we are on and off the court. We’ve created a family. In practice we push each other and maybe even make each other mad at times but we’ll always be the first to encourage and keep each others heads up. We love each other and I think it really shows on the court,” said Stutzman.
This season the team is ranked No. 9 in Class 2A.
“So far we’ve had a pretty successful season. We’ve lost some games we should’ve won, but those are behind us now. Our ultimate goal of winning the state tournament is approaching fast and we are working hard everyday to achieve it,” said Stutzman.
Head coach Adam Klucevsek has the team at 11-4 after the first 15 games. Coach Klucevsek said of Stutzman, “Maddi is a wonderful girl! She is always at open gym any time I open it. She’s an even better person. She scored a 26 on her ACT, maintains a perfect GPA. She is a perfect example of what being a student-athlete is about! I’m very proud of what Maddi brings to this team.”
Stutzman is very involved in school activities including National Honor Society and she serves as senior class Vice President.
“At school I am involved in The Do Something Club which volunteers at certain events during the school year, like the Special Olympics,” said Stutzman.
As a three-sport athlete, Stutzman stays busy with athletics. Besides basketball, she also plays softball and has cheered for two years. But her grades take top priority.
“Academics are very important to me. I have been enrolled in concurrent classes at Rogers State University for two years with a scholarship from MidAmerica that covers a portion of the cost of my classes. Everything I have done and will do lead to my future,” said Stutzman.
That future may include moving to Norman, OK and attending school at the University of Oklahoma.
“After I graduate I plan on continuing my education at the University of Oklahoma, and eventually becoming a nurse. I’ve decided I want to become a nurse because several people in my life who were nurses have inspired me to become one,” said Stutzman.
Like many athletes, Stutzman has many people to thank for helping her along the way. But her teammates will always have a special place in her heart.
“My teammates have been the biggest influence on me on and off the court. They make me a better player and a better person. I have their backs and I know they’ve got mine too. My coaches and family have also always been there to push me and support me through everything,” said Stutzman.
