Soccer is taking Mady Lifer on the journey of a lifetime. Now a senior at Altus High School,
Mady has big plans after graduation. She is moving to Spain to continue her soccer career
playing for a semi-professional team.
Mady will live in Spain on a scholarship program with FC Odisea. The international club
recruited Mady through her FieldLevel profile. She will spend ten months in Spain receiving
full-time soccer training. Toward the end of the program, FC Odisea helps athletes get recruited
to either higher-level professional teams in Europe or to a D1 college stateside.
As a little girl, Mady always looked up to her brother who played soccer. “I started playing
because I wanted to be just like my older brother,” she says. “He played college soccer and my
goal has always been to be better than him.”
Soccer taught Mady not to give up when things get difficult. This lesson is evident in her favorite
memory. The memory was not of a good moment, but rather what she gained from a challenging
experience. “I tripped on a ball at practice breaking my hand and couldn’t play for a month. Even
though I didn’t find it funny when it happened it taught me a lesson to never take life for
granted,” said Mady.
Mady’s passion for soccer began early. “I have been playing it since I was so young that it has
become a part of me.” Mady now plays as a center defensive midfielder. She loves this position
as it has her involved in every play.
The support she gets from the staff at AHS is incredible. Small gestures like attending games and
wishing students good luck in the hallway make her proud to represent her school. Mrs. Bailey is
Mady’s favorite teacher. “Even though I struggle with math she takes her time to slow it down
and help me, even outside of school.”
Mady remembers the advice given by a teammate who graduated. “Don’t worry about what to do
and how to do it, just play.” Current teammates continue to impact her. Melissa Fioritto is a
junior who leaves a big impression. “She always challenges me to do better and inspires me to be
a better person,” says Mady.
Mady is thankful to everyone who has taken the time to watch her play and supported her
endeavors. “Huge thank you to my family for all the support they give me on and off the field
and for letting me try out the opportunities given to me. Another huge thank you to all the
volunteer coaches. You guys make a huge impact on the players and we love having the
volunteers around.”