Great Scott! Madeson is a Canada Games champion
Applying to and being accepted into the Ontario NextGen Performance Centre in Welland two years ago, was a pivotal moment in Madeson Scott’s rowing career.
“They have given me all that I have today and all the opportunities I have had up to today I would not have had without them,” the 17-year-old Welland native said Saturday, after teaming with Anna Pamenter, Fiona Elliott and Cait Whittard to win gold for Team Ontario in the quad at Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games.
“They have amazing coaches and I owe everything to my coaches Greg (Szybka) and Will (Mulcahy),” Scott said. “They are beyond incredible, they have given me awesome guidance and helped me to get to where I am today.”
Where she is today is a teenager boasting an impressive rowing resume. Her 2022 season has included: placing first in the double at the Stotesbury Cup; winning the midweight single and open double at the Canadian Secondary Schools Rowing Association championships; and, placing 11th in the quad representing Canada at the under-19 world championships in Varese, Italy.
“That (worlds) was my biggest accomplishment and it was a super, awesome experience. Then we came here for the Canada Games. I am so thankful for this summer and everything it has given me.”
Wearing a Canadian singlet for the first time was an amazing moment for Scott.
“It was cooler than I could have ever imagined and I learned what it took to have a crew boat go down the water,” she said. “At the centre, we primarily row in singles, kind of because of COVID and the types of boats that we had available to us. I haven’t been in a quad since I started there and it really gave us the teamwork aspect which is what rowing is. It taught me to row with a crew, be patient, and trust in each other and the work we all put in.”
She has enjoyed the Canada Games experience.
“It has been really nice to come here and see all the other sports and to see all the hard work and dedication every other sport puts in,” Scott said. “It has been fun meeting people, trading pins and seeing all the talent.”
The high point of her week was Saturday when the gold medal was placed around her neck.
“It was such a cool moment getting on the dock and seeing all my family and friends in the bleachers and all the family and friends of my crewmates,” Scott said. “It was so surreal because we are in our home province and our families are able to come watch us and cheer us on. Their support was so important.”
Scott is returning to Notre Dame this fall and she will begin visiting American schools in September to find her rowing home for the next four years.
“There’s lots of great schools with great programs that I am excited to go see.”
She will know where she wants to go when she sees it.
“I feel I will go on a visit and I will know almost instantly that this is the place for me. I am hoping that’s the way it happens.”
