Edgar’s Makenna Guden excels as a three sport athlete, and has achieved some impressive career stats and accolades in volleyball, basketball and track and field. Guden established a foothold in Edgar basketball history twice this season, in the same week, as she first became the school’s girls career scoring record, then topped the school’s all-time mark.
Along with Guden’s accomplishments, she joins the ranks of central Wisconsin athletes who go under the microscope with the world-famous interview, ‘Pancakes or Waffles?’
In the ten years of central Wisconsin athletes participating in this interview, Guden is the first student-athlete that took a question and responded in a completely different manner than its intent. Guden’s thought-provoking response revealed more about Guden as a person.
Read on to learn about what makes Guden ‘tick’ on and off the playing arena, and enjoy!
OnFocus: What classes are you taking this year?
Guden: Some of the classes that I’m taking this year, my final year of high school, are Psychology, College English, Calculus, Health & Religion Sciences, Art 3, and Criminology.
OnFocus: What is your favorite class?
Guden: If I had to choose just one favorite class, it would have to be Psychology. I find this area of subject fascinating to learn about because it’s very intriguing learning about the different behaviors and mental processes that allow us, humans, to act and feel the way we do.
OnFocus: What are your hobbies?
During the little amount of free time I have, I enjoy watching Criminal Minds on Netflix, organizing and designing things, baking, being at the lake during the summer, and four-wheeling!
OnFocus: Who is/was your favorite teacher?
Guden: This is a hard question because Edgar is filled with so many influential teachers, that I could name a whole list! However, two specific teachers come to mind! First, Mr. Hanson was my 5th-grade teacher, and you may ask, why him? That was so long ago! However, he exemplifies and preaches kindness in our community, as well as others, each and every day. Alongside, he continues to portray the importance of the power of knowledge by bringing in living moments of history from all over the country, to Marathon County! How cool, right?!
Secondly, I would like to point out Ms. Laxton, my College English professor, and 2021 class mentor! She goes out of her way to make sure that students are her first priority. She has helped me develop so many life skills that I will carry into my post-secondary education, and I couldn’t be more thankful for all that she has done for me, especially teaching me how to persevere through challenges!
OnFocus: What is the most unusual food you have eaten?
Guden: The most unusual food I have eaten is liver and onions, GROSS!!!
OnFocus: What is your favorite music to listen to?
Guden: My favorite music to listen to is modern-country. Specifically, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Thomas Rhett, and Brett Young.
OnFocus: What are your plans after high school?
Guden: After high school, I plan on playing basketball somewhere at the next level, however, I am still trying to decide where out of my options! As for education, I intend on majoring in Biomedical Sciences or Pre-Dentistry, eventually becoming an Orthodontist!
OnFocus: If they made a movie about you and your life, what would it be called?
Guden: Busy 24/7.
OnFocus: What sports do you play?
Guden: I play Volleyball, Basketball, and Track & Field. I used to run Cross Country and play Softball, as well.
OnFocus: Which teammate would you not want to be stranded with on a deserted island?
I am going to switch this question around a bit because I have the confidence that all my teammates would serve as resourceful and intelligent people to be stranded with. Specifically, if I had to choose one person to be stranded with, I would have to choose Skylee Manecke because there is truly never a dull moment with her. We could be stranded, yet she would still make it a fun time. Her drive and passion to never give up, and her willingness to be the most selfless player is quite uncommon to see.
OnFocus: What is your most memorable moment as an athlete?
Guden: As an athlete, my most memorable moment would be seeing all my hard work and dedication towards basketball payoff, by earning and scoring my 1,000th point as a junior. It was a goal of mine coming into high school, and getting to that achievement was breath-taking! Of course, I couldn’t have done it without coaches, parents, and teammates pushing me during practice!
OnFocus: Who is your favorite athlete?
Guden: Simone Biles.
OnFocus: What do you enjoy most about playing home games?
Guden: Home games are extra special because of the sense of pride you gain with your whole community there to support and cheer for you. Especially for me, coming to the realization that this is my last year playing for Edgar High School, it brings a sense of gratefulness for having the opportunity to play here the last four years, and many years before that.
OnFocus: What’s the best thing about being a student-athlete at Edgar High School?
Guden: Edgar is a small school, so by being involved in so many extracurriculars, classes, and clubs, you get the opportunity to learn and grow with most of the students in high school.
OnFocus: What words of wisdom can you give to other student-athletes?
Guden: Keep pushing, keep grinding, keep persevering, the end result is worth it!
OnFocus: Lastly, pancakes or waffles?
Guden: Hands down, pancakes!
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
