Eagle Valley High School’s Samantha ‘Bob’ Maddox: Finding her hidden talent
Samantha Maddox — known as “Bob” to her family and friends — had never even tried on a pair of Nordic skis before she signed up for the Eagle Valley High School cross-country ski team as a junior.
But by the time the season was done, she had qualified for the state meet.
“It was definitely my hidden, natural talent,” she said with a laugh. “Of course I had been downhill skiing since I was 4, so I already had some natural confidence.
Maddox was a three sport athlete for the Devils. She ran cross country and track in addition to Nordic skiing. “For a long time I just enjoyed each sport while I was involved in it, but this year, I would have to say that Nordic was my favorite,” she said.
This year, like last year, Maddox qualified to compete at the Colorado state meet. She placed 15th in classic and 13th in skate. Additionally she placed in the top 10 in every single race during the regular season.
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Maddox plans to keep up with Nordic competition when she attends Western State Colorado University in Gunnison next year. Nordic skiing is a club sport for the Mountaineers. She plans to study exercise science at WSCU.
“I love sports. It’s what I care most about,” Maddox said.
It was also a way to fit in when she first came to EVHS. Maddox attended middle school at Berry Creek, so she didn’t have many friends at EVHS when she started her freshman year.
“Now I know everybody,” she said. “Eagle Valley is a good environment in general. Everyone is nice and supportive.”
After recently graduating, Maddox is shocked that her high school years are already done.
“Overall its been a great four years and everything went by so, so fast,” she said.