Madison Keys brings the Rock Island pride right on out of me.

Having grown up in Rock Island for most of my childhood, I can honestly say, I've seen it all there and there are still things I am growing to love about it, like the diversity of the schools, the great experiences I have had with teachers and staff, how well they keep their music program going and how encouraging other parents have been.

And then there is Madison Keys.

This girl impresses me year after year with how she ups her game. Madison is maturing in her approach on court and, to me, is an outstanding role model for young ladies, including my own daughters. Not to mention, she is currently at the Olympics in Rio representing our country well, happy to be playing on the same team as Serena Williams, sister to the tennis great who first attracted Keys to the sport, Venus Williams. Madison is ranked the no 9 in the world for singles tennis and the 3rd highest ranked American player in women's tennis.

All of this is certainly impressive but there is one more thing that is near and dear to my heart.

To be able to point to Madison, from Rock Island, and show my girls what is possible when you reach for your dreams, is priceless, especially in the face of criticism and stereotypes of their schools.

I sent this text to one of my daughters yesterday:

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It is unfortunate the negative impact certain stereotypes can have on children, especially when it's not always about the school or the city one lives in (or even the Midwest for goodness sake). It has more to do with the person, the support they get (or don't get) and their own choice to become whatever they choose to be.

21 year old Madison Keys advanced and won yesterday. She plays again tomorrow, August 10th at 8:45 a.m. I'll be cheering her on and so will the rest of Rock Island, the Quad Cities and the U.S.

 

 

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