The girls' recreational basketball team celebrated its seniors at a recent game, including Maddy Washburn, the league's creator, pictured in the front row, second from left. (Image courtesy of Maddy Washburn)
Seeing a need, Maddy Washburn worked to create a rec league for girls' high school basketball players
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Mahatma Gandhi
While it may be a paraphrased version of his original speech, the words of Gandhi have inspired many. One Methacton senior embodies those sentiments, acting when she sees a problem.
The problem Maddy Washburn saw was a lack of programs for high school girls. While the boys’ of Methacton High had a long-running recreational league for play through high school years, the girls did not. While many complained and were frustrated by the discrepancy, only one took the proper steps to change that fact.
Maddy, who will graduate from Methacton this June, began her crusade in her sophomore year.
“I tried the year before,” said Maddy of her now two-year-old program. “But I was unsuccessful getting the Methacton Audubon Recreation Association (MARA) [to act].”
Despite difficulties, she didn’t give up. The senior, who has committed to Penn State University’s Main Campus to study chemistry and secondary education, persisted.
“The next year they said she could do it,” said Maddy’s mother, Susan Washburn. But the positive response came with a caveat. “She could do it IF she was the commissioner and ‘took charge.’”
And that’s just what she did. Now finishing its second year, the MARA Rec Basketball League has been a success for girls in ninth through twelfth grades. Maddy herself played both of the program’s initial two years.
“No experience is needed,” said Maddy. “Boys in ninth through twelfth [grades] have had a league already, but the girls’ [program] ended at eighth grade.”
Maddy got to work, at the program’s inception, making Google Forms and an Instagram account to attract new players for the rec league.
“MARA sends emails,” she said for those seeking to become involved in future seasons. “We have a website of our own to sign up, and that usually begins in September.”
For those interested in playing, at any age (K through 12), can visit https://www.playmara.com/girlsbasketball for more information on future year’s registration.
The Methacton High School does offer a girls’ basketball program, a competitive team that plays in the PIAA’s Pioneer Athletic Conference (PAC). The team currently has 15 rostered players who are also just wrapping up a season with a 14-10 record placing them at sixth place in the PAC.
However, with a 2024 class of 388 students (357 in 2023), the odds of making the team aren’t always in the cards for Methacton girls. The creation of a recreational team allowed more girls to experience the sport in a fun way.
“It was important for girls to be able to continue to play basketball for fun,” said Maddy. “And to be a part of a team.”
Games for the two seasons have run from December through late February. The team utilizes the Woodland Elementary School gymnasium for its games, which just one of the logistics Maddy had to work out to get the ball rolling.
“Maddy emailed the head of the [boys’] basketball league, working with him and a scheduler to determine if it was possible to add another league,” said Susan of her daughter’s initiative. From there, Maddy continued her efforts recruiting over 60 players over the two seasons. She created teams, attended the games, and even played herself.
Methacton Audubon Recreational Association is closing its second season thanks to the work of Maddy Washburn who took action to get the league started. (Image courtesy of Maddy Washburn)Maddy said the focus was always fun.
“We had such fun and created lasting memories and friendships,” she said of her program. “There was a lot of laughing, as well as basketball. We even play music at our games, so there is occasional dancing, too.”
Maddy said she wanted all students to feel included and welcomed.
“You do not need to be a good basketball player to play rec,” joked Maddy. “Trust me, I know. We accept all skill levels and encourage fun.”
As Maddy departs Methacton to become a Nittany Lion, she will pass the torch onto another student, Taylor LaFreeda, to lead the charge.
“She also has played both years, and we are hopeful the league will continue for years to come,” said Maddy.
For more information on the Methacton Audubon Recreation Association, visit https://www.playmara.com/
