Getting To Know Madison Whyte

Ever heard from a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year? Enthusiastic freshman Madison Whyte gives you the chance to do so in this edition of "Getting to Know."

Q: You're still in the process of deciding your major, do you have an idea of what you'd like to get into?

M.W.: I'm thinking about something in the STEM field. Maybe pharmacy or pre-dental, but I'm really indecisive. I've just always wanted to do something I was interested in and anything science intrigues me. It's something that's constantly changing and I know it would keep me on my toes and excited to do it every day.

Q: You were named Gatorade Player of the Year not once, but twice. Can you describe what it felt like to earn it twice?

M.W.: I wasn't really aware of Gatorade Player of the Year until I got selected for it. I realized it was a big title to have. It was nice to know that my work was being seen and appreciated. For me to be selected for it twice was even more shocking because I didn't realize people were still paying attention and recognizing what I do.

Q: What's one of your favorite aspects of USC's program?

M.W.: Outside of the intensity of the training and resources, I'd have to say having teammates from all over the world. Being around people from all over the state, the U.S., and the world is a cool experience to have.

Q: Has there been a travel experience that impacted you?

M.W.: When I competed for the U.S. U20 team in Cali, Colombia. It was beyond amazing. It was my first time seriously being away from home and it was World Championships, so it was a huge stage for me. Easily one of the best experiences of my life.

Q: Outside of you being there to compete in Worlds, which already is an accomplishment in itself, what aspects did you enjoy the most?

M.W.: Being on a team with people who are from all over the place - some are in college and some are in high school. It was like a track melting pot. And then being in a foreign country like Colombia just really topped off the experience.

Q: The eclectic nature of the team, did it change your outlook on track in general or how you perform as an athlete?

M.W.: For sure, I always say that meet was my breakthrough meet because before it I didn't think I was in good enough shape or just overall ready for it. I pulled through every time when it came down to competing, though.

Q: Do you feel like having a team as internationally diverse helps with team culture?

M.W.: For sure it really does help. Especially if you've only been exposed to people who are from the same place as you, being exposed to people who live in extremely different places than you helps you grow as a person. And having them as teammates helps you bond and get out of your bubble. You get to see who and what else is out there.

Q: How do you make sure that you maintain a healthy mindset between school, sports, and your social life?

M.W.: I'd say I'm very much a one-day-at-a-time kind of person. There are certain things I assign for today and then assign for the next, leaving it to be tomorrow's problem. I really do try to take it slow. I have moments where I'm good and for moments where I may not be, USC has so many resources for mental health. Fortunately, I haven't had to go to anyone and right now I'm handling it pretty well. I want to be one with myself and make sure that I'm taking it all in.

Q: Would you say your teammates affected you taking that kind of attitude?

M.W.: They helped me realize that not everything can be one day at a time because this day affects the next day. Helping me get into a routine, understanding what goes on, how it goes on, preparing myself properly for the next day, all that stuff they've helped me with. For a while, I had to adjust it a bit, but now that I have a routine and I am used to being a one-day-at-a-time person.

Q: What's something you've accomplished outside of athletics that you're proud of?

M.W.: I've kept my GPA pretty high, which can be tough to do when you're competing and in school at the same time. It's not something a lot of people can say. My family has always emphasized academics as the main priority, so maintaining my GPA and continuing to make the honor roll are important accomplishments to me.

Q: Is there someone that you look to for all things track and life related?

M.W.: My brother. We're only two years apart, so I was always his shadow in everything he did. He runs track at Hampton University, but he's not exclusively a track person. His outlook on life and the things he does make sure of that, and for that he's always been the person that I go to.

Q: Any new reads, movies, or shows that you would recommend?

M.W.: I just finished Power on Hulu. I don't know why I started so late, but it was really good. I've also been watching American Horror Story- that's one show that I can watch literally all day. I don't read as much as I should, but when I do, it's easy for me to get invested. A book that I haven't finished but I started was The Seven Deadly Husbands of Evelyn Hugo…it's super good.

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Players Mentioned

Madison Whyte