By Lauren Reho
Each year through the All Sports Association, the Taylor Haugen Foundation, presents a trophy to an athlete who best demonstrates a balance between academics, athleticism, leadership, community service and faith. The winner receives a $1,000 scholarship, a $1,000 donation to the athletic department of his or her school and a bronze trophy with an eagle taking flight to symbolize Isaiah 40: 30-32.
The Foundation has awarded trophies since 2009 to well-rounded student athletes in the area. In this series, we’re tracking the past winners from 2009 to 2021 to see where they are now in their journeys. This month is Maddie Hiers, 2018 trophy winner.
Maddie Hiers, 2018 Trophy Winner, is currently a senior at Florida State University majoring in marketing. In her past four years, she was a recruitment counselor for her sorority in 2021, which introduced her to so many women throughout the Panhellenic Community who helped her grow over the years. She was able to lead a group of women through recruitment and be a guide through all the highs and lows. Her sorority Tri Delta truly shaped her college experience, especially having the opportunity to serve as the New Member Educator and Recruitment Chair.
After graduating, she will be moving to Tampa to work as the Fundraising Coordinator for the Children’s Cancer Center to follow her passions of helping with nonprofit organizations.
The Taylor Haugen Trophy meant everything to Maddie, and she was so honored that it was an award that represented the characteristics that others saw in her. She always thought that being nominated by her school rather than applying herself for an award was a much more memorable experience.
“The Haugens have such a special place in my heart,” she said. “I never knew how special of a connection I would have with Brian and Kathy. They are so supportive, and I truly feel like they’ve been my family forever. I have the most respect for them and how they have leaned on the Lord so much throughout their trials.”
“Getting to know the Haugen’s and how they see a special piece of T in each of us has been amazing, and each year I look forward to hearing their excitement about a new family member,” Maddie said. “To me, ‘Don’t Quit. Never Give Up!’ came up at such an appropriate time.”
When Maddie won the award, it was during her father’s cancer battle, and her mother was newly in remission from hers. When she was writing her essay for the trophy application, she realized just as much of an inspiration T’s quote was for her. It resonated with her whole family, especially when her father passed away a little over a year after she was awarded the trophy.
“I think that God brought the Haugens into my life with the most intentional purpose,” she said.
Her favorite Bible verse is Hebrews 6:19: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Her mother loved this verse during her cancer journey, and anchors became a huge symbol for her family, especially during the times when they felt alone or like they were drifting from their faith. The anchor to them is a symbol of faith and staying strong in these times.
If Maddie could give one piece of advice to anyone about to enter high school, it would be to be super intentional with who you surround yourself with. She, for example, called her friends her “army” because of how supportive they were when she needed them the most. And what changed her walk with the Lord the most was looking at it like a relationship rather than a religion. There’s no perfect guide; every walk is different and special in its own ways.
