Maddie O’Neill – November 2024 Athlete of the Month
Maddie O’Neill, 14, of Mansfield, first arrived at Elite back in 2022 following a serious knee injury while playing soccer that ultimately required reconstructive surgery. Following her surgery, she spent several months working hard in physical therapy with Sports Physical Therapist, Ben Godin, PT, DPT, SCS, and was able to successfully return to the pitch. Unfortunately, she then suffered the same injury on her other knee and underwent a second surgery followed by another several months of physical therapy back at Elite. Suffice it to say, Maddie has done more than her fair share of knee rehab over the past two years but was able to return to the field once again this fall. She’s currently a freshman at Southeastern HS in Easton, where she’s emerged as a key player for the Hawks and was selected captain of the JV girls’ soccer team!
When asked what defines a true athlete, Maddie tells us, “A true athlete is someone with a positive, uplifting attitude, athletic and determined.” Regarding the best advice she’s received, she quotes her mom, who would encourage Maddie during difficult times with the words, “But they don’t know you.” According to Maddie, “this kept me pushing myself to be my best because I know what my best effort is or if I could have improved something.” As for advice to younger athletes, Maddie recommends, “keep your teammates close because they’ll end up as your family.”
Throughout her long rehab journey, Maddie has spent countless hours at Elite, working hard to improve her strength, speed, agility and power so she could safely return to the game she loves. When asked about her experience at Elite, Maddie tells us her favorite part is, “The people…everyone is welcoming, always happy, laughing, and everyone’s there to improve.” She says her favorite dynamic stretch is the lunge/trunk twist and she most enjoys the exercises and drills that are designed to improve her balance and stability. She looks forward to returning to Elite for our Winter Sports Performance program and continue to improve her performance.
When asked about future plans, Maddie tells us her long-term goal is to attend Duke University, where she would like to play soccer and major in neurology with the plan of someday becoming a neurologist. Based on the work ethic, resilience, and dedication that we’ve seen from Maddie here at Elite, we know the sky’s the limit for this high-flying Hawk and can’t wait to see what the future holds! Congratulations, Maddie, on being awarded our Athlete of the Month honor!
Elite Sports Performance & Physical Therapy offers Sports Performance programs and Sports Physical Therapy at both our Foxboro and Stoughton locations. To learn more about our programs and services for athletes of all ages and sports and how YOU or an athlete in your family can become our NEXT Athlete of the Month, click HERE ! Our Winter Sports Performance Program kicks off on December 2nd so give us a call at 774-215-5401 (Foxboro) or 781-297-0979 (Stoughton) to learn more or sign up today!