Senior Madison Phillips has announced her commitment to Northeastern University, an NCAA Division I school where she will continue her track career. 

Northeastern University, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is a prestigious four-year private college. The home of the Huskies has a 6.8% acceptance rate, over 91,000 applicants with about 20,000 students, and 19 Division I athletic teams. 

Madison wants to major in finance as well as take on the huge responsibility and challenge of becoming a college-level pentathlete by competing in five events. Her incredible work ethic has provided personal records in all her endeavors; shot put, high jump, hurdles, long jump, and the 800-meter run.  

The WHB track star chose Northeastern because of “the programs they offer, specifically the Co-op and the study abroad program.” When asked about why she wanted to continue her track journey she said, her “love for the sport” and wanting to push herself to see what she can accomplish in the future. 

She says will miss her teammates due to their strong connection but is excited to meet new people and further her academic and athletic career. 

Coach Megan Otten, one of the three girl’s varsity track and field coaches, said Madie has “improved astronomically” and was always “very eager to learn” as a younger athlete. By the end of her sophomore year, Coach Otten said that the “track and field bug bit her” and that in her junior year, with the help of Coach Annemarie McAuley, she “excelled in the pentathlon and went to States for it.”

 Not only was Madison a high-point scorer for the team, but she strived to beat her own personal achievements. Currently, Madison runs the 100-meter hurdles in 15.73 seconds, throws the shotput 32’4.75”, jumps 16’3.5” in the long jump, and 5 feet in the high jump. She competes in several meets throughout the entire year, notably the New York Relays in the spring, as well as the County, League, and State meets from winter to spring. 

As one of the team captains, Madison is a strong leader for the team. Coach Otten continued, “She has become such a leader these past 2 years. The girls come to her, and she enjoys helping her teammates.” All the coaches are very excited about her commitment, and cannot wait to see what else she accomplishes in college.

Congratulations Madison, and good luck!