During our birthday in October, we asked subscribers to share what they would name their own crate and why. One of the kids who entered inspired us because she is a real life ninja! Maddy practices the same kinds of skills and overcoming obstacles you might see on American Ninja Warrior! How cool is that! Meet Maddy, a 9-year-old with big dreams!
GIRLS CAN! CRATE: How old are you?
Maddy: 9
GC!C: What kinds of things do you like to do?
M: Ninja, going to the playground and riding my scooter.
GC!C: What do you want to be when you grow up?
M: School Counselor. My mama told me I was going to be in a healing profession.
GC!C: Tell us about your ninja: how did you get started?
M: My mom said lets watch this show American Ninja Warrior. I saw that Allyssa Beird who was a teacher at my school when I lived in MA was on the show. She inspired me and on my last day of school before we moved, I got my picture taken with her in my classroom. I wish I would have been able to have her as my teacher when I got into 5th grade but we live in PA now.
GC!C: Why do you want to be a ninja?
M: Because I love it. I love challenging myself to complete the obstacles.
GC!C: Where do you hope Ninja will take you in the future?
M: I would like to be a coach to others one day but I really want to get on the Kids ninja. I would love to qualify and go to Vegas.
GC!C: What is the most important thing you want other kids to know about practicing Ninja?
M: Never give up. It can be hard sometimes and you get blisters on your hands but if you keep practicing you can compete and make Worlds. I will be attending World’s the weekend of Feb 21st-23rd in Greensboro, NC. I cannot wait because I will get to meet a lot of professional Ninja’s that weekend that I watch on TV
GC!C: This month, we celebrated Althea Gibson, an athlete who had to fight for everything she achieved. What does it mean, to you, to be a fighter?
M: To be a fighter is to follow your heart and never give up on what you believe in.
GC!C: From your crates, who has inspired you the most?
M: Marie Curie
GC!C: Why did Marie Curie inspire you?
M: She did things that women in her time were not allowed and she never gave up on her dream to make a difference in the world by helping with technology and x-rays.
GC!C: What has been your favorite activity and why?
M: My sister Lily (7) and I really liked the string and salt to make ice. I was not able to do it but I kept trying it was fun.
GC!C: Who else inspires you?
M: Allyssa Beird and Jesse Labreck AKA FlexLabreck
GC!C: f you could meet anyone from now or history, who would you want to meet?
M: Rosa Parks and Clotee (Henley) she was a young slave girl who taught herself secretly how to read and write. My mama thinks her real name was Shadia Simmons I only know her as Clotee.
GC!C: What are some of your favorite things to learn about in school?
M: Math and Grammar. I love to read.
GC!C: Finish this sentence: I am awesome because….
M: I push myself and never give up on my dreams. I am a hard worker
GC!C: Finish this sentence: Girls can…
M: …be anything and do anything!
Thanks, Maddy! We can’t wait for the day when we see you competing on America Ninja Warrior and we say, “Look at MadlilNinja go!”