Senior Maddie Simon was one of the Big Ten's most improved players in 2017-18, averaging more than 10 points and five rebounds per game in her first season as a full-time starter.
The 6-2 forward from Lincoln was the Gatorade Nebraska High School Player of the Year in 2014-15, while leading Pius X High School to the Class B state championship. She added an individual state title in the 300 hurdles on the track as a senior. A second generation Husker, Maddie's mother, Nicole Ali Simon, was the first female CoSIDA Academic All-American in the history of Nebraska Athletics. Nicole was a track and field student-athlete at Nebraska the mid-1980s.
Maddie took a few minutes out of her schedule to answer some questions to provide a little bit more insight about her life off the court.
Favorite TV shows: The Bachelor / Scandal
Favorite sports movies: Glory Road / Coach Carter
Favorite professional team: Atlanta Dream
Favorite meal: Raising Canes
Favorite vegetable: Corn
Favorite workout song: Get Outta Your Mind
When you're not competing, you like to: Travel, hike in the mountains, take naps
Superpower you wish you had: Super speed
Pregame Ritual: Go onto the court at 90 minutes, shoot, then sit on the bench before warm-ups
Why you chose Nebraska: Lincoln is my hometown, and I grew up watching the Huskers and wanting to be on the team.
Best thing about Nebraska: The people
Most rewarding community service experience: The Husker No-Filter Service Trip Abroad to Nicaragua