“It’s Championship Saturday and you’ve made it to the Big House”…

After helping lead the Crowder Lady Demons to the Class A girls state basketball tournament last season, Maggie Sockey remains focused to achieving her goal of returning back to the championship showcase.

A four-year starter and three-time VYPE Top 100 selection, Maggie can’t get enough playing the game she loves.

“I first started playing basketball when I was seven years old. It was love at first sight…or should I say first bounce of the ball,” laughed the 2022 senior. “Basketball for me is 24-7-365.”

Amidst all her success and recognition, she’s still the same person, a genuine and kind spirit, according to her coach.

“The impact Maggie has had on our team and our school goes far beyond the basketball court,” explains Crowder head coach Ashley Rush. “She’s a coaches dream, a combination of talent and work ethic. But most important is how she has set the standard. Maggie is hardworking and humble and because of her influence, the younger girls want to be just like her.”

So what’s been the key for Maggie’s success on and off the basketball court?

“I just keep hearing my mother’s words of advice…have a happy mind, stay in a good mood,” she said with a voice of confidence. “Stay positive and enjoy the moment. When you can do that, you can and will perform at your best.”

Her favorite athlete is Paige Bueckers, who plays college basketball for the UCONN Lady Huskies.

“I enjoy watching how she’s so competitive but stays calm and relaxed under pressure,” said Sockey, who will continue her basketball career on the NCAA Division-I level at Oral Roberts University. “It’s how I want others to talk about me as a player and as a person.”

When she’s not playing basketball, “Swaggie Maggie” enjoys swimming, hiking and video games.

“I’ll go for a swim anytime and I also enjoy a walk up the hills near my house. I try to relax by playing games including X-box or the Nintendo Mario Kart,” she said. “I’m a competitor who always enjoys a challenge.”

And with the Christmas holidays approaching, Maggie Sockey has her own wish list for Santa to fulfill.

“All I want for Christmas is to stay healthy and bring me a Big Gold Ball,” she said with the wink of an eye. “It’s OK if you wait and bring it to me until March at the Big House.”