Maddie Nagle was a standout track and field runner for Glenbard West as a member of the runner-up 4x800 meter team. She also was a member of the cross country team where she finished 69th at states last year. She is currently a redshirt freshman at Iowa State University. She talks about making that transition to college running and is excited to see where her future with the Cyclones will take her. Find out more about what Nagle has been up to in our Where Are They Now feature.
What was the biggest adjustment you had to make to compete at the college level?
There are plenty of huge adjustments in order to be competitive at the next level. The biggest one for me is bumping up my mileage. My team always worked hard in high school so the workouts haven't been too difficult. It's just challenging to make sure I stay healthy while making that jump. It also requires a bigger time commitment. Practice just takes longer and I spend a lot more time doing strength routines, stretching, and getting treatment and ice-bathing in the training room.
Is there anything you can tell high school athletes to better prepare them for the college experience?
Is there anything you can tell high school athletes to better prepare them for the college experience?
My best advice to high school runners is not to take the sport too seriously. I know too many people who have lost their love for the 
sport because they got too caught up in the technicalities. Running is an amazing opportunity that you can do for the rest of your life and not everyone can do it, so treat each day as a gift. Stay focused enough to accomplish your goals, but remember to keep your priorities straight. Run because you love to run!
What do you miss most about running in high school?
sport because they got too caught up in the technicalities. Running is an amazing opportunity that you can do for the rest of your life and not everyone can do it, so treat each day as a gift. Stay focused enough to accomplish your goals, but remember to keep your priorities straight. Run because you love to run!What do you miss most about running in high school?
As much as I love my team here at Iowa State, I definitely miss my team at home! I made so many life-long friends at Glenbard West, and training without them just isn't the same. I still keep tabs on them and ask how they do every week because I miss racing right next to them. I love seeing how well they're doing each week, but I totally miss being a part of it.
What piece of coaching or advice that someone gave you has been the biggest help?
What piece of coaching or advice that someone gave you has been the biggest help?
My track coach Kelly Hass told me to look in the mirror and just say, "I'm Maddie Nagle, dang it." It helped me stop doubting myself.
Personal Bests
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1,600 Meter Run5:10.42
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Three Mile Run17:38.90
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800 Meter Run2:19.92