My name is Ellie Maddox and I will be graduating in 2026 from Sioux Falls Christian in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I compete in cross country and the 800m, 1600m and 3200m in track. I have a State Cross Country Individual Title from 2021 as well as a runner-up from this past season, 2024. My personal best in the 5k is 17:26.2. In track, I have had multiple top 5 placements at State throughout my high school career. My personal bests are as follows: 800m – 2:14.50, 1600m – 4:57.61, 3200m – 11:03.71 (only ran once in 2023 season). My goals for this past (junior year) cross country season were to PR, win an individual and team state title and stay healthy. I was able to achieve almost all my goals, only falling short with a runner-up placement at state. I am now going into my postseason races and am looking forward to these racing opportunities. My goals for this spring are very similar to my cross-country ones – I hope to win an individual title in the 1600m, lower all my times, specifically, to 2:11 in the 800m, 4:52 in the 1600m, 10:40 in the 3200m, as well as contribute to another team title. 

In addition to running, I am involved in many other activities such as Student Council, Choir, Mayor’s Youth Council, National Honors Society, and completed a mission trip to Rehoboth, New Mexico this past summer.  Another passion of mine is volunteering.  I have completed over 220 hours of volunteering throughout my high school career. My volunteer activities are wide ranging – involving volunteering within my school, helping with concessions and event set ups, within my community at the local food banquet and the humane society.  In addition, I also completed 40 hours of volunteering at my local hospital this past summer as I have an interest in healthcare. Serving at my church is also important to me and I have assisted with leading Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. I have a 4.0 GPA and am currently taking 3 AP classes this school year. Throughout all these activities and achievements, I have developed strong leadership skills and learned that I have a servant heart and enjoy working hard to achieve my goals.  

I hope to continue many of my activities and passions in college, including cross country and track. Competing at a collegiate level will challenge me and help me grow as an athlete, teammate, and person.  I have been very fortunate to be a teammate on a 3-time XC State Championship team and 3-time Girls Track & Field State Championship team and I am looking forward to my journey of finding my collegiate team and positively contributing to it. For more information, please email me at elliemaddox2026@gmail.com.