“It means a lot to me being recognized with this award and being recognized for my hard work that I put into being a student athlete here,” Mathias said.
The award is a way to look back and appreciate the past four years of growth.
“I have worked so hard for the past four years and to look back on how far I have come since freshman year is such an honor,” Flessner said.
Mathias gives credit to his team, as without them he wouldn’t have the success he’s achieved. He specifically is grateful for this year’s culture built on genuine care.
“We all cheer on each other and truly care how each of us do. We all even go to Brothers on Tuesdays when we can for burger night,” Mathias said.
One memory is a little more special than the rest. Last season, North Central boys baseball knocked off Greenfield Central for a regional title.
“We faced a really good arm and still came out with the win,” Mathias said.
For the spring his goals are clear: winning as a team, personal goals come second.
“My goals this season are to be conference champs, sectional champs and regional champs. I have some personal goals but the team comes first,” Mathias said.
Post graduation, Mathias will continue his athletic career at Bellarmine University. His advice to younger athletes is to find a balance between sport and life.
“Be in love with your sport but don’t make it your life,” Mathias said.
Adelyn Flessner’s senior season couldn’t have ended better with a second state championship. But the most important part wasn’t the scoreboard, it was all about the people cheering her on and the ones who were by her side the whole time.
“Seeing my entire team run up to me and hug me is a moment I will never forget,” Flessner said. “After winning state my junior year, I was overjoyed with excitement and super proud of myself, but I knew deep down that I wanted to repeat that senior year.”
North Central swimming and diving culture is a community focused on being a team rather than on individual events.
“All of the swimmers and divers, both male and female, were so supportive of each other and going to meets together was so fun,” Flessner said.
The mental part of sports is often an X-factor that separates good and the best. This side of sports is often underestimated.
“I think the mental aspect is always overlooked. The days I got better as an athlete were those that I had a bad day at school or a bad practice the day before because I knew that those hard times did not define me,” Flessner said.
A piece of advice that her coach has given her has stuck with her, acting as a driving force.
“The work you do when nobody is watching is what creates the future person everyone will see,” Flessner said. “What you do when your competitors aren’t watching is what will set you apart from them.”
Next fall, Flessner is planning on diving at the University of Iowa.
Mentality and resilience is a major part of competitive athletics no matter what happens you just have to keep working,
“I would say to never let one moment or bad day define you,” Flessner said.
