Al Maddox knows what having great team pride is all about. As a supportive father and grandfather, he has made it a point to instill these lessons into his family. Not only has Al been an example to his family, but he and his wife Donna have demonstrated what it means to have incredible pride in the Nebraska women’s tennis program and Husker Athletics.
Al had the opportunity to show his Husker pride when his granddaughter Mackenna Maddox came to play tennis at Nebraska. Following two seasons at BYU, Mackenna wanted to find a better fit for herself as both a person and a tennis player. She would make it a point to learn about her next team from its players, not just the coaches. On her visit to Nebraska, she fell in love with the opportunity to get a great education, the players and coaches, and of course…the Lincoln sunsets.
Al couldn’t have been more thrilled to hear of Mackenna’s decision to become a Husker. Having spent some years of his childhood living in Plattsmouth, Neb., and growing up an avid fan of the Big 12, Al chanted “Go Big Red! Go Big Red!” upon hearing the news.
Despite having little connection to Nebraska, Donna Maddox quickly learned what it means to be a Husker fan. She even tagged along to Mackenna’s interview with Head Coach Scott Jacobson and fell in love with the program herself.
“The Nebraska coaches build women athletes that not only excel in their sport but in academics, community service and skills to enhance their future lives,” Donna stated.
Once Mackenna began her career as a Husker, Al, Donna, and their famous “Monster Cookies” made frequent trips to Lincoln from Kansas City to cheer on the team. Donna had to quickly learn, as hard as it may be, that you cannot yell during a tennis match. Regardless of how loud they were, their support from the stands was felt by all members of the squad as well as the coaches.
When NU traveled to Kansas City, Al and Donna hosted dinners for the team at their home. Al describes his relationship with the Husker women like “having 10 new granddaughters.”
“Her grandparents were avid fans, and truly enjoyed watching Mackenna and our entire team compete. They truly bleed Husker Athletics, and were always incredibly supportive,” Coach Jacobson said of Al and Donna.
As Mackenna settled down in Lincoln, she thrived as both a player and a person. During her senior season in 2016 Mackenna found success in both her doubles and singles game. Playing primarily out of the No. 5 and No. 6 spot, she went 8-7 as the Huskers went on to finish with a 17-8 record.
Mackenna excelled off the court as well. She earned numerous academic and leadership awards including Big Ten Distinguished Scholar (2016), Academic All-Big Ten (2016), Nebraska Student-Athlete HERO Leadership Award (2015), and was a part of the Tom Osborne Citizenship Team in 2015 and 2016.
“Mackenna was a dedicated and committed Husker. She was someone who competed with tremendous passion and desire and was incredibly committed to our institution,” Jacobson added.
Following Mackenna’s senior season, Al and Donna wrote a letter to the team to congratulate them on a fantastic record but more importantly to thank them for being great students, teammates, and leaders in the community.
“I know my Granddaughter Mackenna was not only a better tennis player but a better person because of the University of Nebraska,” Donna said proudly.
Today, Al, Donna, and Mackenna continue to show their support for Husker tennis. Al proudly hangs his “most prized possession” (the 2016 Nebraska women’s tennis poster), on display in his man cave.
Mackenna keeps tabs on Husker matches through social media and watching the match live streams, getting more nervous now than she did as a player.
The Nebraska women’s tennis program thanks the Maddox family for their amazing commitment and support of Nebraska tennis and Husker athletics.
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