LebCo Athlete of the Week: Maddie Stahl (Week ending 11/9)

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Maddie Stahl

During the week of November 3rd, Palmyra sophomore Madelynn “Maddie” Stahl continued to power the Cougars’ offensive attack, helping lead Palmyra Field Hockey to postseason victories over Gwynedd Mercy and Hershey in the first two rounds of the PIAA State Championship Tournament. In Saturday’s 5–0 win over Hershey, Stahl opened the scoring, setting the early tone as Palmyra advanced to the State Semifinals. This effort led to Stahl being selected as LebCo Athlete of the Week.

With the team surging toward a championship run, Stahl’s impact only grew stronger as the postseason progressed. Her play remained consistent and dynamic as the Cougars pushed their way into the State Championship game.

When asked about her performances in the early rounds of States, Stahl kept her focus on the team, saying she simply “helped my team reach the state finals.”

In the State Championship game, Stahl capped her season with a key assist on Madelynn Witt’s first of two goals, contributing once again to Palmyra’s success on the biggest stage. The Cougars earned a thrilling 3–2 victory over Warwick this past Saturday, securing the program’s fourth State Championship.

Following a successful regular season that earned her Mid Penn Keystone Player of the Year honors, Stahl approached the postseason with clarity and purpose. “My focus is to always give 100% and focus on making good decisions,” she said. “That means making the correct pass, or taking a certain shot at the right time, or drawing a corner to give my team a chance to score. If I can focus on making good decisions and playing hard, everything else will fall into place.”

Stahl’s mindset aligned perfectly with Palmyra’s team mission. Before the championship game, she explained, “The overall goal for this team is to win the State Championship. Delivering a pass to a teammate, scoring a goal, playing good defense—all involve making good decisions. That will put myself, my teammates, and ultimately the team in a position to do well.” The Cougars did exactly that.

When reflecting on the season, Stahl was quick to credit those around her. “I want to recognize my teammates. We all need each other to play selfless hockey and support each other. When we do that, we are really hard to stop.”

Coach Kent Harshman praised the characteristics that elevate Stahl’s game. He said, “Maddie has been blessed with tremendous natural ability, but what takes her to the next level is her growth mindset and competitive spirit. She is always looking to improve.

Harshman continued, “Maddie is also a great teammate and will do whatever is asked of her to help the team be successful. We have asked her to step up in numerous ways over her short career and she willingly does so in magnificent fashion!”

A multi-sport athlete earlier in her career, Stahl has chosen to focus on field hockey, though she previously played lacrosse and ran track. Outside of competition, she enjoys supporting other Palmyra teams, spending time with friends, shopping, and watching TV. She also loves the camaraderie that comes with being part of a team: “I love to compete but really enjoy being with my friends. The bus rides and the times I am hanging out with my friends between games are the best.”

Palmyra finished the season 23–3 and as State Champions. Stahl closed the year with 23 goals and 10 assists. Her 53 points ranked second on the team, behind only Jovie Weaver’s 59.

Congratulations to Maddie on an outstanding season and on her selection as LebCo Athlete of the Week. With two years still ahead of her, it will be exciting to watch her continued growth as one of Pennsylvania’s premier young field hockey talents.

And a huge congratulations to all of Palmyra Field Hockey on a job well done!

Photos provided by Palmyra Field Hockey

Past Female LebCo Athletes of the Week

AJ Walker (Week ending 11/2)

Bryn Brandt (Week ending 10/26)

Makenzie Wamsher (Week ending 10/19)

Jovie Weaver (Week ending 10/12)

McKenna Kantner (Week ending 10/5)

Claire Jacoby (Week ending 9/28)

Laney Zimmerman (Week ending 9/21)

Savannah Kleinfelter (Week ending 9/14)

Shea Moyer (Week ending 9/7)

Chloe Shirk (Week ending 8/31)

Leigha Kane (Week ending 8/24)