Congratulations to Madeline Payne, a senior cheerleader at Ponderosa High School, for receiving 1,517 votes out of a total 3,699 and being named the ASPIRE Athlete of the Week for Week 13!

Madeline has been a part of the Ponderosa cheerleading team since her freshman year and has helped pave a path for future success by taking the team from 18th place at state in 2011 to third place this year.

“Madeline is a role model to girls her age,” Ponderosa cheer coach Lindsay McClellan explained as the 2015 cheer season wrapped up. “She excels in academics, athletics and her personal life. Madeline has a passion for life and it has been an honor working with her.”

Madeline is captain and base/backspot for the team is known as a great leader who always takes the time to help her teammates. Outside of athletics, Madeline participates in Link Crew, the Student Council and DECA, and volunteers her time at the nursery in her local church and at the Tennyson Home working with abuses and neglected children. One to always follow her passions and reach for the stars, Madeline has been accepted to the University of Hawaii next year and will be studying in their prestigious marine biology program.

“Madeline’s most impressive quality is her ability to balance her life and prioritize better than most adults,” continued Coach McClellan. “She is selfless at practice and with her friends and family, and still manages to find time to excel in all aspects of her own life.”

Madeline’s interview will air Sunday morning on the Mile High Sports Show (7a-9a) on FM 104.3 The Fan, but we’ve also got a sneak peek below.

Congratulations again to Madeline Payne for being named the ASPIRE Athlete of the Week for Week 13! ASPIRE Sports Drinks are now available at all Target, Safeway and Whole Foods locations.