South Iredell High's social media recently held a competition for its community to vote for the high school's Player of the Year. They voted for Vikings girls basketball player Madison Schramm and Vikings baseball player Jake Crowley.
Close to 20,000 votes were cast. Crowley and Schramm tied at 3,457 votes.
The winners answered questions below.
MADISON SCHRAMM
What does being named Player of the Year mean to you personally?
It means so much to me that my hard work has been acknowledged and people believe I deserve this award.
Which moment from this season are you most proud of and why?
My senior night was by far my most proudest moment of the season. This game was where I scored my career high of 33 points.
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What was the biggest challenge you faced this season, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge I faced this season was my mental toughness. I've had to learn to hold myself to realistic expectations and not perfection.
Was there a specific game or opponent that brought out the best in you?
Senior night definitely brought out the best in me. My confidence was at an all-time high and the support around me was surreal. That was the most fun I had in a game all season.
How did your teammates and coaches contribute to your success?
My teammates and coaches contributed to my success by vocalizing their belief in me and acknowledging my growth.
What advice would you give to younger players hoping to reach your level?
Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Nobody is perfect and neither are you.
How do you stay motivated, and how do you motivate others?
I stay motivated by setting goals and doing everything I can to reach them. I motivate others by recognizing their achievements and encouraging them to follow through with their goals.
What's next for you after this season?
I am committed to Averett University to continue my education and basketball career.
JAKE CROWLEY
What does being named Player of the Year mean to you personally?
Being named player of the year is an honor, and I'm extremely grateful for this award. There are so many great athletes here at South, and it has been great to be a small part in helping grow the program.
Which moment from this season are you most proud of and why?
I am most proud of my team for making a run in the state playoffs. We've all played together since we were kids, and I can't think of a better way to leave our mark here at South.
What was the biggest challenge you faced this season, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was my season being cut short due to a UCL tear. That was the biggest mental challenge I've ever had to face. I had to learn how to help my team off the field and lead in different ways. Showing up every day for my team and being around my teammates helped me more than they could ever realize, and I'll always be grateful for them.
Was there a specific game or opponent that brought out the best in you?
Playing against Mooresville High School on the road brought out the competitiveness in our whole team, and we all were able to come together and sweep them for the first time ever.
How did your teammates and coaches contribute to your success?
This is by far the closest team I've ever played on and it makes every game so much easier knowing that the guys around me are going to fight for you every pitch. Taking pressure off individual success makes the team's success so much more attainable.
What advice would you give to younger players hoping to reach your level?
You will never regret hard work. The long days and nights of working out, throwing, hitting, journaling, and reading have taught me so many lessons that can only be learned one way. You never want to look back and wish you did more.
How do you stay motivated, and how do you motivate others?
I have loved baseball my whole life and have always wanted to be the best possible player I can be. I believe the best way to motivate others is to build people up constantly. Sports can easily break you down physically and mentally. When a player is confident they play at their highest level so it can always help to bring others up.
What's next for you after this season?
I am continuing my academic and athletic career at Mars Hill University.
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Brian Meadows
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