Rising junior Madie Boreman, 2x State Champion & 4A 1600m record-holder, reflects on her sophomore year, pressure of living up to high expectations from freshman year and goals for the upcoming cross country season.
“The freshman makes the pass!” shouts the commentator as Madie Boreman outkicks her competition in the final stretch of the 1600, setting a new 4A state record of 4:48 and earning a ticket to the Adidas Dream Mile. That was the 2013 Texas State Track Meet, when Boreman was just 14 years old.
This early success wasn’t new to Boreman, as she ran a 5:06 mile, 18:13 5k and 38:58 10k at the ripe age of 11, often claiming women’s overall titles at local road races.
“It was weird to be successful against people who understood the sport more than I did. When I was young I had no idea what winning state, a simple road race, or the Olympics meant.”
Even with her remarkable talent, Boreman was not yet ready to face the older competition.
“Before freshman year, people would talk to me after races and ask if I was looking forward to high school and the competition. I would say yes, but I was scared and intimidated by seniors and older girls.”
Boreman had nothing to fret however as she left freshman year with two state titles, All-American status at NXN, and a trip to the Adidas Dream Mile where she set her own personal record of 4:46. These accomplishments meant Boreman would have to live up to high expectations for sophomore year, and the pressure of delivering quality results took a toll on her performances.
“The pressure was overwhelming and it would show in most races.”
Though Boreman had a handful of decent races sophomore year including Nike South and the regional track and cross country meets, she was unable to defend her state titles and set new personal records.
“After my state track performance I sat down and talked to an amazing coach, Steve Sisson. I realized that mentally I need to let go and just run my race. I had the potential in practices but it wouldn’t show in races.”
Another difficult aspect of Boreman’s sophomore year was her decision to play soccer for her school team (Rouse). The team made it to the finals of the regional play-offs, causing the soccer season to run longer into track season than previously planned.
“There was one week during season where I had a playoff game Tuesday, districts on Wednesday and Thursday, and I left right after the mile on Thursday to drive to Corpus for a regional playoff tournament.”
While Boreman admits soccer was unhelpful to her track season, she is glad she took the opportunity to play for her school team.
“Soccer this year was amazing and I don’t regret any part of it. I’m glad I got to experience one last season with a fun team like I had.”
Boreman considers her sophomore year to be a learning experience, and looks forward to the upcoming season.
“Junior year I have no pressure and no expectations, which will work to my advantage and I plan to mentally push through every workout and race.”
Cross country season holds loads of excitement starting with the Rouse vs. Vandegrift pre-season showdown. Boreman plans for Rouse to take back the victory, claiming “this upcoming cross country season will be full of surprises from both girls and boys Rouse XC teams.” Boreman also hopes to lead the girl’s team to regionals and state, despite being bumped to 6A next year which will call for bigger and greater competition.
Ultimately, Boreman owes her success to the “endless support from my family, coach and team” and hopes to make junior year one to remember.
