Eads signs with Mineral Area College

It’s always been a dream for this Lady Mule to play basketball at the next level, and after many years of hard work, she finally gets the opportunity.

Poplar Bluff’s Madelyn Eads signed a national letter of intent Monday to continue her basketball career at Mineral Area College.

“It’s really nice to have my family and teammates here to be a part of this moment,” Eads said. “It felt great to see everyone who supported me along my journey, which started in the seventh grade. Most of all, I just feel thankful.

It feels rewarding because I know I put in all the work to get here, and a lot of people might not get the opportunity because they don't put in the work, so when you put in the work, it just means more because you fought for it.”

For Eads’ final season as a Lady Mule, she averaged 13 points, three rebounds and two assists per game. She holds the school record for 3-pointers made in a single game with eight.

Eads earned All-SEMO Conference and Class 6, District 1 All-District honors for her junior and senior seasons.

Though she is heading to the rival of her home team, Three Rivers College, Eads said selecting Mineral Area felt like the best chance for her to grow as a player and she favored the atmosphere, which helped with her decision.

“I just really like the whole community because everyone at Mineral Area takes pride in who they are,” Eads said. “It's definitely going to be some competitiveness on the court whenever we face off against Three Rivers. But most of all, it was coach (Briley) Palmer and the way she coaches her team. They're all passionate and love each other, which stands out to me.”

Poplar Bluff’s head coach John David Pattillo said in all his years of coaching, Eads is by far one of the most competitive and hard workers he’s had the pleasure of coaching.

“It's always exciting to see one of your players move on to that next level, and it says a lot about Maddie and all the work she’s put in up to this point,” Pattillo said. “It's just nice to be a part of moments like this when your kids have some success. She's had two really good years here, and I believe she’s the right fit for Mineral Area.”

Pattillo said Eads’ goal was always to play basketball at the next level and believes she will be fine because she has a great head on her shoulders combined with an incredible work ethic.

Madelyn Eads attacks the basket in her final game as a Lady Mule against Oakville in the second round of the Class 6 District 1 Tournament. For Eads� final season as a Lady Mule, she averaged 13 points, three rebounds and two assists per game. She holds the school record for 3-pointers made in a single game with eight. Eads earned All-SEMO Conference and Class 6, District 1 All-District for her junior and senior seasons. DAR/D�Courtland Christian

As Eads prepares to move on to bigger things, she will always keep a special place in her heart for Poplar Bluff. She understands playing college basketball will not be an easy transition, but she is up for the challenge and ready to get to work.

“I'm probably going to miss the relaxation that high school basketball offered just because I know college can definitely be stressful, and it's way more serious. As for playing for the Lady Mules, I'm just going to miss the relationships with my friends and teammates.

I am looking forward to being part of a new team to create new friendships and chemistry. I’m ready to go out there and battle because everybody takes everything seriously in college, so playing with people who take it seriously, is what I'm really looking forward to.”