By Derrick Smith

Athletes work hard to become the best that they can be. While they may not always reach the goals they have set for themselves, when they can see that they are improving it gives them more fire to keep working. 

Makayla Meadows of Collinsville says that she has worked hard to get where she is today and that is what has kept her going.

“The highlight of my career is not something that happened during a game,” she stated. “It is that I have seen improvement each year. I have continued to get better so that I can help my teams have success. I have worked hard by pushing myself even when I’m tired or in pain. By working hard and giving 100% and making sure I’m the hardest worker in practice and in competition, I know that I am doing all I can.”

Makayla, a senior, is a multi-sport athlete for the Lady Cardinals. She plays right-side hitter on the volleyball court, on the basketball court she is a guard, and she sprints as a member of the track team. She has been a three-year varsity starter in all three sports. 

While she has put in a lot of work to get here, she says that there are other people that have helped her in big ways.

“I would not be who or where I am today without the help of some special people,” she said. “My mom, dad, and coaches are always pushing me to be my best and to work hard.”

Another person that has had an influence on Meadows is her math teacher, Mrs. Johnson.

“She is a really great teacher and she taught more than just math. She also helps her students be better people.”

Collinsville head girls basketball coach, Janson Hightower, knows that Meadows is a solid basketball player and a big asset for the team. 

“Makayla is an outstanding athlete and defender,” Hightower said. “She does a great job at both ends of the floor.”