2023 Maddie Kirk Signs with Blue Mountain University
Lady Bobcat Maddie Kirk has signed with Blue Mountain Christian University. Kirk may be the only Bobcat to play two sports at the collegiate level, at least in recent history, and will be playing both volleyball and basketball for the Toppers. Having played both sports all throughout high school, as well as softball and even soccer in earlier days, Kirk is well accustomed to the rigorous schedule she will follow at Blue Mountain. Kirk began playing soccer at the age of 3, and began playing basketball and softball in sixth grade. She began volleyball as a freshman. With so many sports, Kirk has been coached by a multitude of people, as evidenced by the many who came to celebrate with her on Sunday afternoon.
Kirk's favorite basketball memory was the game against Dyer County this year, when the Lady Cats were expected to be beaten easily. Instead, the Lady Cats defeated the Lady Choctaws 82-47, giving Coach Jerry Lott his 900th career win. "I just remember the jv player [Carissa Moore] hitting the basket that put us over 80, and the buzzer sounded, and we all swarmed her." Her favorite volleyball memory was Pink Night this year, when the Volleycats honored Bridget Kiestler, mother of Logan and Kendall Kiestler and a breast cancer survivor. "That was a really special night for Coach Meg, and for all of us," said Kirk.
Kirk has received many accolades during her high school. She was selected All District and All Region for three years, and named the MVP during her senior year. She also joined the 1,000 point club in January, ending with a total of 1,083 points for her high school career.
Kirk plans to major in education with the goal of teaching and coaching at the high school level. As to what she would tell young athletes looking forward, she said "just don't take everything so serious, just play. You'll play your best whenever you're having fun, don't worry about doing this good or doing that bad, just play. Just have the most fun you can."
Kirk is the daughter of Jay and Nikki Kirk. Also pictured are her brother Cole Kirk, grandmother Betty Kirk, grandparents Stacy and Tami Kennedy, and a host of friends, coaches, and teammates.
BASKETBALL STATS:
1083 Career Points (425-1000 shooting – 42.5%)
10.3 Points Per Game
485 Career rebounds (4.6 per game)
209 Assists (2.1 per game)
201 Steals (2.0 per game)
Finished:
6th All Time in Scoring – 5 on 5 era (1083)
6th All Time in Field Goals Made (425)
8th All Time in Free Throws Made (191)
7th All Time in Free Throws Attempted (343)