Daily Chronicle Athlete of the Week: DeKalb’s Maddy Kees

Maddy Kees, DeKalb

Gymnastics | Senior

Why Kees was selected

The gymnast not only won an all-around title at the state championship but claimed two other titles – winning the state championship on the uneven bars and balance beam as well. In an online poll she was selected over Sycamore swimmer Jacob Gramer and DeKalb wrestler Tommy Curran.

On winning three medals

“It was awesome. It’s probably the most fun I’ve had in a high school gymnastics meet. It’s always been a goal of mine to win a state title and to win three of them my senior year is just icing on the cake.”

On qualifying as a team

“It was a lot more fun. That’s what helped me win those three medals, having my teammates up there. I could not have done it without them. They made it more enjoyable and gave me more purpose than if I had gone individually.”

Looking back at her high school career before she heads to NIU and compete

“I’ll remember the fun times and the bus rides. I’ll miss those. We’d play music and I’d always braid everyone’s hair. It was crazy and chaotic, but I’ll miss doing hair on the bus. Little moments and bonding like that. I’ll miss it. I’m looking forward to college gymnastics, but I’ll miss high school gymnastics.”