Senior Madelyn Venable started running track and field in the sixth grade at Midlothian Middle. That spring, encouraged by her mom to start running, Venable made the Track and Field team. Fast forward six years, Venable will continue her athletic career at the collegiate level at Washington and Lee University.

At the age of twelve, Venable began with hurdles, long jump, triple jump, discus, and 4×1 as her main events. In high school, she added the 4×4 and short relay, to that list. Coach Dan Ward saw potential in Venable that she had not yet seen in herself. It was not until sophomore year that she decided that she wanted to continue her running career in college. This year, her improvements pushed her to set personal records at every event.

During the 2020-21 school year, despite all of the obstacles thrown in her way, Venable placed second at States for Indoor Track in the triple jump. Midlo Track and Field has taught her that “hard work will pay off in the end.” Venable’s work ethic and team spirit are qualities that stand out to her teammate Lena Caffall. “Madelyn is super hard working and always practicing. She is always the last sprinter there. She is always supporting and cheering everyone on.” As the outdoor track season takes off, Venable looks forward to “hopefully making it to states.”  

In the fall, Venable will join the Washington and Lee Track and Field team. Located in Lexington, Virginia this Division III school offers a blend of academics and athletics. Here she will major in biology, and hopes to eventually become a physical therapist.  Although her time in high school is quickly coming to an end, Venable looks forward to her future as a General.

Congratulations, Madelyn!