Words by Thomas Ingle | Images by Justin Hunter
Maddix Harrison has always reached for great heights on the basketball court and in life.
But the junior center for the Cordova Blue Devils is aiming for something far beyond the scoreboard: a calling to inspire others through ministry.
Maddix’s basketball journey began with the Dora Bulldogs, where he first developed his love for the sport. But when his father became the principal at Cordova High School, Maddix made the difficult transition to a new school and team.
While changes like this can be daunting, Maddix found his stride in Cordova’s close-knit community and under the guidance of head coach Jamie Walls.
“I feel like he trusts a lot more; he lets us go out there and play to our strengths and our best for our abilities,” Maddix said of his coach.
Though basketball is a huge part of Maddix’s life, it’s far from the whole story.
With a 4.2 GPA, he’s just as determined in the classroom. Balancing school, basketball, and dual-enrollment college classes isn’t easy, but Maddix approaches it with the same focus he brings to the court.
“I try to balance everything. It’s hard sometimes, but with college classes, I just do my best,” he shared.
Maddix says his life’s purpose became clear the summer before his sophomore year when he felt a powerful spiritual pull toward ministry.
“I had finally made Jesus the Lord of my life. And then, that summer, I had the calling to become a pastor,” he explained. “Since then, I keep on growing and growing and doing things for the Lord, and it’s become just more and more clear to me.”
The path Maddix envisions for himself after high school may not involve slam dunks or three-pointers, but it’s no less ambitious.
He plans to attend college, enter ministry, and dedicate his life to helping others find faith and purpose.
Whether he’s leading his team on the court or preparing to lead a congregation, Maddix will continue to be guided by his faith and a relentless drive to reach for something higher. WL
