Feature Photo by Emmanuel University

It’s an age-old truth, but doing the little things right typically equates to the big things taking care of themselves. This philosophy has served Maddie Futch well. The White County 2021 grad is in the midst of her senior year at Emmanuel University, and consistency marks her game.

“One thing I’ve always focused on was being consistent,” says Maddie. “I think consistency is one of the hardest things to do as a college athlete in any sport, and to realize that there are going to be times of highs and lows is one thing I’ve had to accept as a college athlete. For me to be a consistent and reliable player for my team meant doing the little things. The things that don’t always stand out like scoring 30 points per game, but instead being a hustle and aggressive player for my team. In games I make sure to focus on rebounding, getting my teammates open, and playing harder than the girl I’m guarding that day and other things for me, such as points, will fall into place. For me, aggressiveness and grit is how I’m consistent at the college level.”

After coming off the bench 18 times for a grand total of 82 minutes as a freshman in 2021-22, Futch played 21 games the next season before becoming the full-time starter last year. She has increased her output as she’s been rewarded with more playing time. From 1.8 points and 0.8 rebounds as a freshman, 2.7 & 1.2 as a sophomore, to a huge jump to 9.4 and 7.6 a year ago, it’s all set the stage for this senior year. Currently, through 6 games played, Maddie is good for 10.0 points and 7.5 boards as well as 1.2 assists. She has 412 career points to date and 299 rebounds, all while shooting 43% from the floor and 73% at the free throw line.

“I think my personal goal this year is to average a double-double, which I will continue to fight for throughout the season,” says Futch. “For the team, I know we want a ring and even though we started out a little rocky this year we definitely have the talent and togetherness to figure that out as we continue.”

To her point, the Lady Lions are 2-4 and 1-1 in conference play. Her most recent outing on November 26 was a 14-point, 14-rebound game, as she collected her first double-double of the season.

“I think this game for me was such a confidence-booster for me to realize how much potential I have going into my senior year,” adds Maddie. “It made me realize how giving it my all on the court will lead to the stats I got. This game is the beginning of a successful season; I just need to prove it going forwards.”

A fun note for the Emmanuel Lady Lions – Futch is one of 3 former White County players, as she’s been joined by both Naomi Roberts and Aaliyah Anderson. The roster also includes familiar names that Futch played against like Lumpkin’s Mackenzie Caldwell and Kate Jackson, Rabun’s Gracie Deetz, Habersham’s Addie Penick, and Chestatee’s Emma Easterwood.

“When I figured out that my younger teammates from White County were coming, it made me so excited not only because of the great people they are but the work ethic I know Naomi and Aaliyah have,” says Maddie. “These girls push me and my teammates to be better everyday in practice and I’m so proud to watch them grow into the athletes they are today. I also think playing against other local players such as Addie, Gracie, Kate, Mackenzie, and Emma who are now on my team today was such a great experience for me because I grew up looking at them as the enemy but now can call them friends and teammates, and we build off of one another making each other better.”

Futch plans to be coaching basketball after her playing career is over. She was a standout for the Lady Warriors at White County, and was named the Region Player of the Year as a senior in 2020-21. The All-State selection had 954 career points and nearly 600 rebounds, averaging 14.8 points and 8.7 rebounds as a senior. She shot 49.5% from the floor in high school and a ridiculous 535% as a senior, while also connecting on 79% of her free throws.