LAKE GENEVA Wis. — Scholar Athlete Molly Deering from Badger High School is a straight ‘A’ student that is ranked number one in her class, logs many hours of community service and competes in three different varsity sports (basketball, cross-country and track and field).
She was first team all-conference in basketball and a two-time state qualifier in cross country. She said her busy schedule is preparing her for college and the rest of her life.
“It's definitely taking a lot of time to master. And I wouldn't say I have mastered it, but definitely planning out time in the day,” said Molly. “So, just definitely clearing out like a specific time at night that I have to study.”
As a point guard for the Badgers, Molly was having a historic season on the basketball court before suffering a season-ending knee injury. She scored 1,000 points in her high school career, becoming only the fourth in school history to do so. She was just 40 points away from becoming the all-time leading scorer at Badger High School. She said prematurely ending her high school athletic career was tough on her, but her family and friends have helped her deal with this setback.
“It's also just fun to see them, doing the sport I love, because I know they love it too,” said Molly. “Seeing them laugh and play makes me laugh too. So, it's definitely fun to watch, but you're definitely wishing you're out there.”
Molly has a fraternal twin, Delaney who is a type one diabetic. Delaney said she loves seeing Molly out on the court every day, pushing through all the adversity she has faced with a smile.
“She means everything, not just her accomplishments, but just like the energy and the support that me and like my teammates feel from her is something that I've never felt from anyone else,” said Delaney Deering.
On top of being a successful athlete and student, Molly is president of the ‘Kisses from Friends’ organization which offers emotional and financial support to children undergoing cancer treatment. She said the experiences she has gone through in high school and what she has seen while volunteering, has taught her valuable lessons.
“Things are hard, but I always like to push the limits,” said Molly. “I take the hard classes and even if I fail, it's okay. I think that's a big thing I learned in high school is it's okay to fail because it always teaches you something.”
Badger girls’ head basketball coach Andy Smith said Molly has been like an assistant coach on the bench since the injury. He said her positive energy and outlook, are a welcome sight for him and the girls on the team.
“She's experienced almost everything you can experience in your high school career,” said Smith. “Just to have that leadership to fall back on and to know that she's there for you and she's got your back no matter what.”
Although Molly is undecided on her college choice, she does want to play basketball at the next level. Her perseverance, positivity and passion is an inspiration to those around her, as she continues to lead in a different way to end her time as a Badger.
