MAHOMET, Ill. (WCIA) – As Madalyn Marx approached her senior year of track at Mahomet-Seymour, she encountered some uncertainties.
Despite being a two-time state champion in the 400 meters, her concerns weren’t about her performance. Instead, she was unsure who would be guiding her through her final high school season.
Just weeks before the season’s start, Lisa Martin took the reins as head coach for the Bulldogs. According to Coach Martin, fostering a team culture and securing commitment became significantly smoother with Marx’s involvement.
“Her focus is on setting goals rather than imposing limits,” Martin explained. “If we can make that mindset contagious, the kids joining our program will understand that the expectation is about growth, not just accumulating medals and trophies.”
Marx, nevertheless, is no stranger to accolades either.
- FRESHMAN YEAR 2023: Second place finish at state in 400, running 57.18
- SOPHOMORE YEAR 2024: State champion in 400, running 56.11
- JUNIOR YEAR 2025: State champion in 400, running 55.88 and runner-up in 200 with a time of 24.84
- SENIOR YEAR 2026: Sectional champion in 200, 400 and 4×400 – running 54.89 in the 400, just off her personal best time of 54.27 – clocked at the 2026 Apollo Conference meet – which ranks first in the entire state of Illinois for all classes in 2026, according to Athletic.net
Now, Marx seeks to add to her hardware in her last high school meet before running collegiately at Ball State.
The IHSA girls’ state track and field meet is May 21-23 in Charleston.
WCIA is featuring one local track and field athlete daily leading up to the end of both the girls’ and boys’ seasons. See below for more stories: