By Hayden Swope

Maci McClure, a track athlete at Minneapolis, had always looked up to older athletes growing up. Now roles have reversed, and McClure has been chosen as the American Family Insurance Athlete of the Month.

“It means a lot to be a part of this magazine,” McClure said. “I always read them when I was younger and loved looking at all the different athletes’ successes and stories. It is extremely cool to me that I can now open the magazine and read my own article and know there are younger ones looking up to it.”

McClure spent the offseason perfecting her technique, with the mechanics of jumping being the key focus. 

“To prepare for this season I spent time at the track working in the jumping pits and getting the mechanics down,” McClure said. “I have some great coaches that spend lots of time helping us athletes learn. I’m also stepping out of my comfort zone and trying javelin along with running and jumping events. I’m excited to see how that goes.”

The track and courts aren’t the only place you’ll see McClure, as she’s involved in numerous things around the school.

“I participate in track, volleyball, and basketball at Minneapolis High school,” McClure said. “Along with sports I am in our show choir as the coordinator, sing in our regular choir, and I assist in Youth Rec tournaments on the weekends by officiating.”

While still undecided, McClure hopes to be making an impact at wherever life takes her.  

“In the future I plan on attending a four year college somewhere out of state,” McClure said. “I’m undecided on what career but I know that I would love to go into the medical field.”