Oologah’s Madison Penner
Oologah High School junior Madison “Maddie” Penner has learned that being the engine in the middle of the field means never really standing still. As a center midfielder for the Lady Mustangs, she embraces the physical and mental demands that come with touching nearly every phase of the match.
“I play center mid for the Lady Mustangs,” Penner said. “The toughest part about this position is that I am constantly in motion, and have to think two steps ahead, not just for me but for my offensive and defensive line as well.”
Penner said the bond she shares with her teammates is what makes the long practices and late nights worth it. “What I love most about my team is how close everyone is and the camaraderie we share on and off the field,” she said. “We genuinely enjoy one another.”
That closeness shows up in the way they communicate. “The most vocal teammates I have are probably Rylen Walters and our keeper, Sam Sappington,” Penner said. “The teammate that keeps us all laughing is for sure Ali Charloe.”
On the field, Penner prides herself on being strong in the tackle and smart on the ball. “The strongest part of my game is my physicality and how I see the field,” she said. “Keeping the ball on my foot and showing more individuality are aspects of my game that I’m working on.”
Penner said her parents are the quiet force behind her competitiveness and character. “My parents inspire me,” she said. “They are very hardworking people and have raised me to be a good person.”
Representing Oologah carries extra meaning for Penner, whose family name runs deep in the district. “Representing Oologah is special because my dad, sister and pretty much all of my dad’s side of the family attended Oologah,” she said. “I hold myself to a high standard because of our family legacy.”
“Oologah is a small district, but we all know each other and support each other, and that makes me feel proud representing our school,” she said.
In the classroom, Penner said English is her favorite subject because it lets her think and share ideas. “I have always loved reading, and my favorite parts of that class are the group discussions,” she said. “My favorite teacher at Oologah is Mrs. Salt. She hosts free weekly tutoring and is always making herself available to her students who need reinforcement on lessons or need to make up assignments.”
Penner stays busy beyond soccer and schoolwork. “I belong to Leadership, Student Council, National Honor Society, and I have an internship with GoodWorks working with the elders in our community,” she said.
In her limited free time, she leans on hobbies that keep her balanced. “In my free time I love to read, listen to music, travel, and hang out in Fayetteville with my sister Ava at the University of Arkansas,” Penner said. “I also got into CrossFit last fall, and I absolutely love my gym and my trainers at Blackline. ”Through it all, she said athletics has shaped who she is becoming. “Athletics has taught me to be a team player, and to be humble, and how to handle losses,” Penner said. “It has also taught me how to lead others, communicate under pressure and win graciously.”
