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player ready...Leadership comes in many forms for Madison Hoffmann.
The Grayslake Central junior’s responsibilities might depend on the season, but that doesn’t bother her.
“Leading is not hard for me,” Hoffmann said. “I’ve always been vocal and also very social for my whole life, so it comes almost naturally for me in that role.”
The 6-foot-1 Hoffmann is a doubles player in tennis and a defender in soccer. In basketball, she’s a versatile guard/forward, and she has become a captain for the Northern Lake County Conference-leading Rams (13-6, 5-0), who don’t have a senior on their roster.
“I love it and enjoy it, and it’s great to be able to have that role on the team because everyone looks to you,” Hoffmann said. “Everybody on the team is super good friends, but everyone being so young does help because we can build and do it together.”
Hoffmann, who has seven college offers in basketball and is considered one of the top players in Lake County, is averaging 15.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.6 blocks this season, and she recently surpassed 1,000 career points.
She said she spent considerable hours working to refine her post game during the offseason.
“She can defend the post or wing, play outside or inside, and she increased her repertoire of offensive moves,” Grayslake Central coach Steve Ikenn said. “She’s also talked about getting as many assists as possible. How many players lead their team in scoring and assists?”
Junior forward Annie Wolff, who is also a captain for the Rams, said Hoffmann demands the best from teammates as well as herself. Wolff calls Hoffmann a natural leader.
“Madison has really elevated her game this season, but one thing that hasn’t changed is that she continues to be unselfish,” Wolff said. “She always does what’s best for our team.”
But Hoffmann, a three-year starter, had to learn how to handle a different dynamic this season. Her sister Peyton, a freshman, is a starter averaging 7.6 points and 5.4 rebounds.
“Occasionally, with Peyton, I know I can yell at her a little,” Hoffmann said. “She can take it. I try to keep it positive.”
Peyton Hoffmann confirmed she hears it from her big sister.
“I really enjoy playing with her because she’s a good leader and I look up to her,” Peyton Hoffmann said. “She definitely yells at me at times, but I know it’s just because she wants the best for me. It’s the first time we have played together, but I really enjoy playing with her. We have a great connection.”
Wolff said Madison Hoffmann helped Peyton Hoffmann get adjusted to the varsity level.
“Peyton has been a great addition to the team in her own right,” Wolff said. “There are times when Madison is tough on Peyton, but that’s because she has the utmost confidence and trust in Peyton’s ability to help our team. Peyton has a tough skin, so she takes the feedback in stride and always works to do her best.”
Ikenn said he had a lengthy conversation with Madison Hoffmann during an exit interview at the end of last season.
“The fact we may not have any seniors on varsity, I told her she and (Wolff) are going to be the leaders,” Ikenn said. “With Madison, I told her everybody looks at her because she’s the most visible player on the team in terms of what she does on the floor and her words. She’s grown into that role nicely.
“In terms of leadership, we talked about ways to deliver messages and to motivate and push teammates. She doesn’t shy away from it.”
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Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.