By Thomas Sellers Jr.
The foundation established by Matt and Dana Peters guided their daughter Maddie to becoming a leader among the Brighton High School Class of 2022.
Maddie Peters’ work ethic in the classroom has her No. 10 in her class. And the money and time invested by her parents in her passion for tennis has paved a road for Maddie to attend Evangel University in Springfield, Mo.
On April 26 in the Brighton High School Gymnasium Lobby, Peters signed her letter of intent to play tennis at the NAIA private Christian institution.
“It’s a combination of everything, academics, athletics and spirituality,” Dana noted. “It’s the Christian faith that all led her there.”
The older sister of Katie and Nick started her journey to Evangel in the seventh grade.
“She just picked it up and enjoyed it,” Matt recalled. “She won district doubles that first year in tennis at Brighton Middle. Her second year was runner up in singles in districts and she kept progressing, ending up going to State last year.”
Still fairly new to the game in 2020, Maddie’s passion for the game was tested when the global pandemic hit. Matt and Dana said instead of losing interest in tennis, Maddie gravitated to the sport to keep sanity.
“During the COVID she played a lot and worked really hard,” Dana recalled. “She still went out there. Even though she stayed at home and did things online with virtual classes she put a lot of time into tennis that junior year when she made it to State. She was out practicing, going to clinics and being out there with other kids. That was one of her goals to play tennis in college.”
Meanwhile Maddie has accumulated 35 credit hours taking dual classes. Peters will leave BHS as a member of the Student Council, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish Honor Society, band and color guard.
At home Maddie is an organizer, assistant to her parents and solid role model for her freshman sister and fourth grade brother.
“It’s very hard with her being our first one,” Dana noted. “Honestly we have two other children and we’ve learned a lot from her and she helps us a lot as far as organizing. She keeps us in order.”
Maddie kept things in order with the Lady Cardinal Tennis program.
“She’s got some good coaches she’s been around since middle school,” Brighton Head Coach Kim Greer noted. “That’s made a big difference. She also works with Mark Bran from St. George’s. She’s very coachable. She works hard and she’s hitting the tennis ball all the time.
“Very smart,” he continued. “Watch her playing a tennis match like when went to the State Tournament last year. She would take players and pull them in and then send them back. She’ll take them left, then take them right. She’s consistent enough that she can hit the ball 30 or 40 times in a row. She knows how to take care of business.”
Matt said all the time invested in tennis and her rebel spirit, he knew his daughter would call the shots on her next step.
“She does her thing,” he said. “She’s very independent. She made the trip herself during spring break to visit. She did really well and enjoyed herself. She stayed on campus and loved it.”
The family made a follow up trip and all the Peters agreed that the Valor program headed by Mirko Bjelica was the ideal place to continue her overall growth. Bjelica was named the head coach at Evangel in 2019. The tennis program was reinstated at the university in 2020.
“It’s really amazing and I am excited for the opportunity to go and do all three things I love,” Maddie said. “I really enjoy playing (tennis) and really had a chance to grow. I’ve grown in more aspects than just the court. I’ve been a lot more confident and been able to help others through my playing. It’s just really helped me grow through everything.”
Maddie said her support system pushed her during tough times, held her up when she needed it and motivated her during down times.
“My parents have really helped me and guided me to help me set an example for my little brother and sister,” she said. “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to take tennis just to it to a whole nother level through playing, time and commitment. It really meant a lot to me.”
The next courts for Maddie to take on will be on the campus of Evangel University.
“There motto is ‘It’s your calling, our passion,’” Maddie noted. “It’s saying they’re going to help me and shape me for everything God is having me to do. As well I get to play tennis and get a challenge academically.”
The courts Maddie leaves behind will now add her name to the legacy of Cardinal greats to reach the next level.
“It’s really amazing and a heartwarming thing that I get to continue it and set an example for kids who are going to come through that it is possible,” Maddie concluded. “You can start playing and take it to the next level.”
