In this episode of SportsLifeTalk: You Got Next, Head Coach KT and B Jones sit down with Maddie to talk about her journey from small Catholic school gyms to the spotlight of Illinois high school basketball. Her story is one of determination, community, and proving that hard work always finds a way to shine.
Maddie’s basketball story began the old-fashioned way — on neighborhood courts, playing with friends and being coached by her parents. From the moment she realized she could outplay everyone else on her team, the fire was lit.
“I started to realize I could beat everyone, and it gave me a little chip on my shoulder,” she laughs. That early competitive edge would go on to define her style — tough, fearless, and confident.
Whether she’s draining jumpers, locking down defenders, or controlling the boards, Maddie plays every possession with purpose.
“One of my favorite things is getting a big block,” she says. “It’s about setting the tone.”
Her game mirrors that of UConn’s Paige Bueckers, who Maddie admires for her ability to do it all — score, pass, rebound, and lead. It’s a comparison that makes perfect sense, because Maddie isn’t limited by position or labels. She’s simply a basketball player, and a darn good one.
At Loyola Academy, earning minutes means competing against elite talent every single day. That challenge is exactly what Maddie loves about it.
“To get on the court, you have to prove yourself every day,” she says. “It’s what makes Loyola special.”
And when it’s rivalry week? Maddie locks in even more. She thrives on silencing opposing crowds and embracing the pressure that comes with the big stage. “I love away games,” she says with a grin. “It’s the best feeling when the gym goes quiet.”
Maddie sharpens her skills with Full Package Athletics, one of the top AAU programs in the Midwest. From the first day she joined, she knew it was home.
“The intensity was exactly what I needed,” she recalls. “It pushed me to another level.”
Under the guidance of Coach Steve Pratt, Maddie has continued to evolve — adding layers to her game, learning leadership, and mastering the details that separate good players from great ones.
Every athlete has a defining moment — that game that changes everything. For Maddie, it came against her school’s fiercest rival, Maine South.
Early in the game, she sprained her ankle. Most players would’ve sat out. Maddie? She stayed in, scored 30 points, and led Loyola to victory.
“I wasn’t coming out,” she says. “I had to be there for my team.”
That performance cemented her reputation as one of Illinois’ fiercest competitors — and a player who leads with both toughness and heart.
As she heads into her junior season, Maddie’s focus is crystal clear: win a state championship, earn All-Conference and All-State honors, and continue chasing her dream of playing college basketball.
“I’m looking for a program that values team basketball and lets me be versatile,” she says. “I want to keep growing as a player and as a person.”
With her work ethic, leadership, and natural instinct for the game, there’s no doubt — college coaches are watching.
When the sneakers come off, Maddie is all about balance. She loves movie nights, beach days with friends, and exploring downtown Chicago’s food scene. Her go-to spot? La Scarola, an Italian restaurant known for its pasta fazool and family atmosphere.
“I’m a homebody at heart,” she admits. “I just love good food and being around the people I care about.”
Maddie gives major credit to her parents and her AAU coach, Steve Pratt.
“My mom and dad do everything — from driving me to practice to cheering me on,” she says. “And Coach Steve? He’s pushed me to be my best.”
It’s that foundation of love and accountability that continues to fuel her growth.