BURLINGTON — All of Madeline Hoskins’ championship dreams are coming true.
That’s a good thing, since she isn’t getting much sleep these days.
Most 15-year olds would marvel at the efficency of the Salisbury sophomore, who won two state championships in a five-day span last week.
At this point, she may need to grow an extra limb for championship rings.
“It’s been really busy, but also really exciting,” Hoskins said Saturday after helping the girls tennis team win its fourth straight state crown. “I wouldn’t ask anything more from my team and coaches and family. Everyone’s been supportive of me.”
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The back-and-forth of Hoskins’ routine is a throwback to the old days when kids used to play everything and the sport of choice varied from season-to-season.
Modern day has seen the specialization of youth athlete continue with camps, clinics and workouts lasting throughout the year. Hoskins finds a way to improve her ability at tennis and golf while maintaining a GPA north of 4.
“She’s not just part of the team, but an instrumental part of both teams,” Salisbury golf coach Dale Snyder said. “That just blows my mind.”
Tennis teammate Katelyn Storey understands Hoskins’ plight as Storey juggles tennis and cross country during the fall.
“It takes a lot of time,” Storey said. “You kind of have to pick and choose for both teams and its gets sort of hard.”
Snyder and tennis coach Chris Myers were understanding of Hoskins’ situation and worked together to see she could contribute to both squads.
“It’s a lot to ask of a kid that’s 15 years old combined with all her school requirements,” Myers said. “Toward the end of the season, you could see that it was wearing on her a little bit.”
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The rat race started last Sunday for Hoskins when the golf team traveled to Southern Pines and played a practice round. Monday and Tuesday were the state championship rounds at Longleaf Golf & Country Club where the Hornets cruised to a 1A/2A championship. Hoskins shot a 87 Monday and a 90 Tuesday. She played “bogey golf” as Snyder would call it.
“I challenge anybody in the state to find a No. 3 golfer like Madeline Hoskins,” Snyder said.
Her golf responsibilities conflicted with tennis Monday, as she wasn’t present for the tennis team’s 9-0 playoff win against Bunker Hill. As the score showed, her presence wasn’t as needed on the court as much as the links.
“She’s dedicated and focused,” Myers said. I wish more kids were as driven as she is.”
Tuesday night, it was back to Salisbury, but not for long. The tennis team left for Shelby for the state semifinal Wednesday afternoon and came back home with a 5-2 win. Thursday included tennis practice after school and Friday would have too if not for lousy weather. The tennis team left for Burlington Saturday morning for a match that started an hour late. Fortunately for Hoskins, she could use the downtime.
“She makes me tired just looking at her,” Snyder said.
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Somehow, Hoskins says she averaged about 61/2 hours of sleep last week despite the crowded itinerary. She said she needs more and maybe that will come with the end of the fall sports season.
Saturday, Hoskins gutted it out and won her singles match as casually as the rest of the Hornets in 6-4, 6-2 triumph.
Since Hoskins doesn’t have her drivers license yet, tennis teammates Erika Nelson and Joy Loeblein help out and give her rides to and from practices. Golf teammate Lily Yatawara chauffeurs her to golf practices occasionally.
“I don’t know how she does it,” said Nelson, the MVP of the state championship. “I’m stressed out about our tennis state championship. I can’t imagine having a tennis state championship and golf.”
Sleep tight, Madeline. Looks like daylight savings came at the right time.
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Contact Ryan Bisesi at 704-797-4258 or rbisesi@salisburypost.com.