Published on October 9, 2025 10:25 am
Last Updated on October 9, 2025 10:26 am
The Effingham Athletic Department runs an Athlete of the Month program every month.
Athletes are nominated by coaches based upon the following criteria: Stats, Accomplishments, Character, Coachability, Leadership and Sportsmanship.
Nominations are then sent out to all high coaches to vote on a winner with one male and one female winner each month. Winners receive a Treign Athlete of the Month shirt and get recognition via announcements and local media.
Madalyn Hoffman – JH Softball (8th Grade)
Mady’s offensive stats are impressive as she led the team with a .540 batting average, 10 doubles, 36 runs scored and she drew 14 walks. She was second on the team with a .625 slugging percentage, 28 RBI, and 13 stolen bases. Mady hits the ball with such velocity that many teams were unable to field her hits. Both the coaches and players felt very confident that something positive and productive was about to happen when Mady stepped to the plate.
Beyond her stats, Mady was also a strong leader on the team. She set a good example by working extremely hard every single day, whether it was at practice or during a game. No one went home dirtier than she did. She sacrificed her body both at shortstop and on the bases, always trying to do whatever she could to help her team win.
She also cheered her teammates on, helped out a lot with team communication (helping the 7th grade girls learn “the ropes”), and was always one of the first to volunteer to help set up equipment for practice and games. — Coach Lori Koester
Maddux Wyckoff- JH Cross Country (8th Grade)
Maddux turned what he considered a disappointment last season into motivation, using it as fuel to train with relentless dedication over the summer—without missing a single run. That commitment is paying off in a big way. This year, he has stepped up as our number two runner, already shattering his personal record from last season and earning medals along the way.
Maddux has set ambitious goals for himself, and I have no doubt he will achieve them. In my three years of coaching him, I’ve never seen him more focused, disciplined, and determined. He is a shining example to our younger athletes of what’s possible when you put in the work and believe in yourself.
Even while managing a recent injury, Maddux continues to show up every day with a positive attitude, completing every workout we assign to aid his recovery and refusing to let setbacks define him. His resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment make him truly deserving of this recognition. — Coach Nancy Ervin