Pioneer Athlete spotlight: Madison MacPherson

Team: Dana Hills Swim Team, Age: 14, Sport: Swimming

MacPherson is having quite the August. This week she started her freshman year at Clayton Valley Charter High School and during the first weekend of the month she swam in the Contra Costa County Swimming Championships for the first time representing her neighborhood Dana Hills Swim Team. The Clayton native is in her seventh year on the Otters (“I started late as an eight-year-old”) and she was motivated this year to make qualifying county times in the 13-14 age group. She has trained in the off season with long-time local swim coach Serge Victor. “She is an extremely hard worker,” says Dana Hills coach Niki Palmer. She made her breakthrough in the breaststroke in the Last Chance meet at Blackhawk the week before City Meet. MacPherson also was part of a DHST freestyle relay team at county. She also volunteers with the Spirit Squad, assisting Otter Pups (the learn-to-swim program at Dana Hills). She attended freshman orientation last week and will be in the public service academy at the charter high school. Last May, MacPherson and her twin sister Mckenzie were awarded “Do the Right Thing” awards for integrity from Diablo View Middle School by Clayton mayor Tuija Catalano.

The Pioneer congratulates Madison and thanks Athlete Spotlight sponsors Dr. Laura Lacey & Dr. Christopher Ruzicka who have been serving the Clayton and Concord area for 25 years at Family Vision Care Optometry. www.laceyandruzicka.com

Do you know a young athlete who should be recognized? Perhaps he or she has shown exceptional sportsmanship, remarkable improvement or great heart for the sport. Send your nomination for the Pioneer Athlete Spotlight today to sports@concordpioneer.com.