Madeline Becker – Grand Valley State University
Soccer
Madeline Becker
Soccer
Grand Valley State University
Why did you choose Grand Valley as your final destination?
Grand Valley was my first college visit and I knew right away that I wanted to go here. I’ve known the soccer coach prior to recruiting and have always liked him, the class sizes are great for more one on one learning, the campus is beautiful, and I get to be close to my family.
What was the turning point that made you want to play soccer in college?
I’ve always known that I wanted to continue my soccer career in college. I haven’t really considered anything else besides that; it’s always been my goal.
What is your favorite moment from soccer career?
My favorite moment from soccer has to be winning States last year with RGSO. We had such an amazing journey to get there, and to be able to do it with my friends made it even better.
What is your biggest goal once you get to Grand Valley?
My biggest goal once at Grand Valley is taking us back to the National Championship.
Describe your journey from early soccer experiences to now.
My very first soccer experiences were playing pass in the backyard with my family and my parents forcing me to shoot with both of my feet and having me practice headers. From then, I went to play on the typical YMCA and AYSO teams. Once my team got too old for AYSO we moved to Crew Juniors and I have been there ever since. A lot of the girls I played with at that young age are still on my team today, and we are truly like sisters. Playing for RGSO was such a great experience that I will never forget. It was always the most exciting part of the year because it was a break from club soccer and I had the chance to play with other girls and have a different coach. Club soccer now has taken me all over the US and allowed me to travel and compete at very high levels. I am very thankful for all of these experiences and that I get to have new ones at Grand Valley.
TCT’s The Countless Thanks 2019: Amanda Bartolovic
AP Art- for being the best third hour
The amount of talent and dedication that every one of you has amazes me, and I’m grateful to be able to witness it this entire year. However, I’m even more grateful that I’ve gotten to know you guys a little better, and I wouldn’t want to draw apple cores, talk about Law and Order SVS, or listen to ten-minute long songs with anyone else.
Rachel, thank you for the random conversations while we should be painting. Izzy, thank you for sharing your licorice with me and for your contagious positivity and love for art. Lilly, thank you for always being a friend to laugh with. Mya, thank you for being the best DJ and for your supportive comments during critiques. Meagan and Iman, thank you for sharing candy corn and kindness with everyone. Molly and Jack, thank you for the fun conversations when you occasionally decide to come out of the dark cave. Mr. Fewell, thank you for always asking how I’m doing and for believing in everyone in this class.
Avery Verlinde- for saying hello
Avery, I miss seeing you across the room in Spanish every day, but I’m still thankful that I got to know you. Despite not being very close, you never fail to say hello to me in the hallways. Seeing you for just a few seconds manages to brighten my day every time.
I appreciate seeing you in the hallways, and I wish we had more classes together. But, for now, thank you for being a wonderful friend.
Lejla and Sharon- for the best car rides (and the best days)
I love both of you so much, and I don’t think there are words to describe how much I appreciate you two.
Mornings can be rough, but Sharon, your random ranting and stories genuinely liven the quiet, still mornings. Lejla, our awkward eye contact through my rearview mirror as a strange song comes on always makes me laugh. Despite whatever is happening, you guys can make me smile, and I’ll always be appreciative of that.
Thank you for not only making car rides better but every day better, too. You turn any dull day into a bright one.
Thank you for making life more beautiful.
Susan Toppen– for your neverending kindness
Walking into fifth hour for the first time, I almost thought—with the number of juniors in our class—that Mr. Scholten would be my only friend this year. However, you and the few other amazing seniors in our class have been very welcoming and a great group of friends to count trees with.
I appreciate your radiance and positivity with my entire heart, and the amount of kindness you have for everyone is astounding. Thank you for all of the adventures in the woodlot during labs and for always giving me hugs. You are truly a light.