HOLLY POND, Ala. – Holly Pond multi-sport athlete Maggie Nail received her high school diploma in May. Before heading to the University of Alabama in Huntsville this fall, she shared some of her favorite sports moments, plus what it was like being around so many great teammates during her career.
“My favorite memory from basketball was my 11th grade year, when we came from behind in the area championship to defeat Vinemont at their place, defeated Colbert County in the Sub-Regional game, then fell short at the Elite Eight. For softball, my favorite memory was the regional tournament my ninth and 10th grade years,” Nail said. “Playing alongside so my teammates felt like gaining a second family, and over the years, they became like sisters to me. When I was younger and first joined varsity, I looked up to the older girls more than they probably realized. As I became an upperclassman, I stepped into a leadership role and worked to be someone the younger players could look up to, just like I once did.”
Being a role model for not only the younger girls on her respective teams but also for the little girls that watched her play is so important to Maggie. She played under some great coaches during her career, and she took away so much from them and her teammates.
“I’ve always been told, you never know who’s watching, and I remember that every practice or game I go to. It’s important to set a good example for those who may look up to you. The way you carry yourself, encourage your teammates, and handle yourself after mistakes or even successes give them an example of the player they might want to be one day,” Nail said. “I’ve been so blessed with the coaches I played under as a Holly Pond athlete. They provided me with constructive feedback, encouragement, and pushed me to be my best every single day. I don’t fully realize the weight of being a coach, but I know that coaches at Holly Pond care so much about their athletes reaching their full potential. They have taught me teamwork, dedication, and discipline for on and off the field or court circumstances.”
Maggie played a huge part in a couple of her favorite games, and she has so many role models that she looks up to. She will remember and miss so much about playing at Holly Pond.
“My favorite basketball game was the Sub-Regional game at Winfield. We played lights out and with so much teamwork. My favorite softball game was at Brindlee Mountain this season. We played with so much energy,” she said. “My role models in sports are Skylar Wallace, Kobe Bryant and my mom and dad. They have helped me in many ways. Mostly, they’ve helped me develop a strong character in my day-to-day life. Even though Holly Pond is a small town, that’s what I love most about it. Everyone supports everyone, no matter how big the crowd is. Holly Pond is one big family.”
Nail made so many great memories in high school, and loved the positive atmosphere at Holly Pond. On the next generation of Broncos, she gave some advice.
“My favorite high school memories are homecoming weeks, powderpuff, and seeing my friends every day. Senior year was probably the best year of high school. We had a lot of fun activities. My favorite activity was senior fun day. We had water slides, a mechanical bull, etc.,” she said. “Holly Pond is a special place, because of the positive atmosphere wherever you go. My advice to those who are attending high school in August would be to work hard in whatever they may be doing. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for me.’ This verse reminds me that I should never seek validation from the world/friends. Instead, we should work hard to serve the Lord.”
God has changed Maggie’s life in so many ways, and she leans on a couple of her favorite Bible verses and songs to help her get through everyday life.
“The Lord has changed my life in countless ways. He gives me strength and comfort even after mistakes I’ve made and still continue to make when I least deserve it. My relationship with God has allowed me to have inner and outer peace, a new identity, and a purpose in life. Mostly, the Word of God has encouraged me to love others in a world full of hatred. He is my rock!”, she said. “My favorite Bible verses are Colossians 3:23 and Proverbs 3:5-6. My favorite songs are Goodbye Yesterday and Goodness of God.”
