Madeleine Johnson is ready to hurdle her way back to state.
The Second Baptist School senior enters this spring as a favorite to repeat as a state champion in the 100-meter hurdles and maybe take the top podium spot in the 300-meter hurdles as well.
Last year at the TAPPS 5A State Track & Field meet, Johnson ran a blazing 14.98 time in the 100-meter hurdles to win by 0.26 seconds. The then-junior placed third in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 47.57, which was 1.53 behind the top spot.
Her impressive times caught the attention of college coaches. Recently, Johnson signed with TCU to run track for the Horned Frogs in the Big 12 Conference.
VYPE caught up with Johnson at the VYPE Spring Media day to talk about TCU, Second Baptist School and more.
VYPE: What made TCU the place for you?
Johnson: "I was really working hard last year to get my times down and find a school that best fit me. So, when choosing a school, you want something that will be good academically and also good athletically. I went from school to school doing visits. When I went to TCU, I found out that the head coach had been my club team coach's coach. So, it just opened a door. I fell in love with the school and the coach. It's been really special coming here to practice and then going somewhere that also has a Christian atmosphere."
VYPE: How excited are you to get to compete against athletes in the Big 12 Conference next year?
Johnson: "I am so excited. I'm definitely going to have to work a lot harder when I get there. I am going to try and start as a freshman. But I am so excited, this has been my dream since I was a freshman, going DI, and I finally get to."
VYPE: Any pressure on you being a defending State Champion?
Johnson: "It definitely puts on some pressure but also I realize it's a big leadership opportunity -- reaching out to other hurdlers and make them see that they can be here too."
VYPE: How special has attending Second Baptist School been for you?
Johnson: "It's been so special. It has every aspect that I love. It has a great Christian atmosphere and coaches that point me towards the Lord every day and help me work hard. I've been here since I was four years old, so it definitely has a special place in my heart."
VYPE: Has going to school here since you were four made the friendships you have even that more special?
Johnson: "It makes the friendships just amazing. Because you get to grow up with these people, see people change in good ways and you get to push people to do their best every day. I've loved growing up here and being with the same people has really encouraged me to keep those friendships when I go to college."
