Time Out with Maddi Saarem

SCHOOL: Carson High

YEAR: Junior

SPORT: Tennis

Q: What are your favorite sports and why?

A: My favorite sports are pole vaulting, basketball and tennis. I love participating in these sports because I'm continuously learning about them. I make a lot of friends, and I love challenging myself to accomplish goals.

Q: Who is your favorite professional athlete and why?

A: Nastia Liukin, an Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics, is my favorite athlete. I have read many things about Nastia and actually got the opportunity to meet her face to face; she is an incredible person and athlete because she works extremely hard, loves what she does and is very humble with her accomplishments.

Q: How do you feel about drug/alcohol testing at the high school level? Should it be random or should everybody on a team be tested at least once during the season?

A: I have very strict thoughts about drug testing at the high school level. Student-athletes should NEVER be using drugs in general, much less in high school. Therefore, everyone on the team should be tested at least once during the season.

Q: If you saw a teammate using drugs or alcohol, what would you do? Would you talk to him/her about it or turn him in to the coach?

A: If I witnessed one of my fellow athletes using drugs (or alcohol) I would first talk to them and try to guide them through the quitting process. If I didn't see a change I would turn them in to an adult. I feel like even though it could ruin a friendship, it would benefit them in the long run.

Q: What sport have you always wanted to try but never have and why not?

A: I have never tried to be on the diving/swimming team. I was a gymnast for 11 years, and I've heard that gymnasts make good divers. I want to try diving, because I'm curious if it's true.

Q: Do you have any hobbies?

A: I actually don't have many hobbies that I often do. I am normally too busy with schoolwork or playing sports. I do love hanging out with family and friends.

Q: What is your favorite TV show?

A: "Pretty Little Liars." The show is very entertaining to me and makes me think.

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: Fruit. I could eat it all day.

Q: What is the last non-academic book you read?

A: "Abduction." This mystery novel is very simple for my age, but I love reading it in my free time.

Q: Who is your favorite musician or group?

A: Brad Paisley. He sings a lot of moving country songs that I can relate to.

Q: What has been your most thrilling moment in sports?

A: It was during my freshman year on the varsity basketball team. We were playing Douglas and Gina Bianchi hit a shot to put us into overtime. We ended up winning the game.

Q: After graduation, where do you plan on attending college and what are you looking at in terms of a major?

A: As of now, I don't know exactly what college I'm planning on going to. Although I'm not sure of the specific college, I'm pretty confident that I want to major in some type of engineering.