×

FINDING HER WAY

Harvey’s journey filled with risks, perseverance

Messenger photo by Eric Pratt Maggie Harvey poses with her Florence Nordman Award next to her parents, Joe and Kelly. Harvey was honored as Fort Dodge’s top female senior athlete from the 2017 class.

Maggie Harvey stepped completely outside of her comfort zone two years ago and made the strenuous decision to leave St. Edmond for Fort Dodge Senior High.

She had been a multi-year, multi-sport athlete as a Gael, garnering all-state honors and a slew of other accolades as a catcher in softball. It was a role and and environment she knew well at a school her relatives all called home.

The move wasn’t an easy one for Harvey, the 2017 recipient of the Florence Nordman Award. There were reasons and challenges, both physical and mental. She struggled at times emotionally during the transition, and discovered a lot about herself in the process.

Being named FDSH’s top female senior athlete may seem like a validation of sorts; a final, definitive sign that Harvey made the right choice. Her transfer was always more about inner-growth than the need to chase honors and recognition, though. So while she duplicated her all-state pedigree in a Dodger uniform at the Class 5A level, Harvey is even more proud of the person she has become away from the field of play.

”I’m very fortunate; I look back now and appreciate everything I’ve gone through and the people who have been there for me no matter what,” said Harvey, a Minnesota State University softball recruit. ”When I came to Senior High, I had to find my way again. I was uncomfortable at first, but it was a good uncomfortable.

”A lot of people may assume (the transfer) was just for athletic reasons, but it wasn’t. I was going through a lot, and came to the conclusion that I had to challenge myself not just as an athlete, but as a high school student in a completely different setting than what I had known or was used to.”

Harvey’s impact was instant for head coach Andi Adams’ softball program. As a junior last summer, she hit 12 home runs, logged 51 RBI and batted nearly .400. Fort Dodge won 28 games and qualified for the state tournament thanks in large part to its stunning regional semifinal win over fourth-ranked Waukee, the defending state champion.

”That entire season will always have a special place in my heart,” said Harvey, who is currently hitting .404 with 36 runs driven in and 22 stolen bases for the Dodgers. ”I felt like an eighth-grader again at first, where everything was new and I had to learn so many things to get better and prove myself.

”Coach Adams has been there for me every step of the way. I can’t imagine where I would be without Coach Adams and my teammates.”

Harvey, who also lettered in basketball and track at FDSH, thanked head coaches Julius Michalik and Todd Constable for their guidance as well. She also singled out physical education instructor Rod Riessen, who ”didn’t judge me and just listened” during her period of change.

”Mr. Riessen was very supportive, and understood what I was trying to say before I ever knew how to say it,” Harvey said. ”Really, every teacher and coach welcomed me with open arms. That meant so much to me, because I was still trying to figure things out.”’

Harvey has ”no regrets” about being a Gael through her sophomore season, and holds many fond memories of her formative years wearing the green and white.

”I was lucky enough to have some great coaches and mentors at St. Edmond, definitely,” Harvey said. ”I think about Roxanne Kuhlman, who taught me so many things from the time I was 12 years old on. Athletes like Jaci Stumpf, Anna Yung, Amanda Lansman, Katie Donnelly — there are so many who I looked up to as an underclassman. They all showed me how to fight and how to be a leader, by following their example.

”I wouldn’t change anything about those days, because St. Edmond gave me my base. I’m very thankful for the time I spent there, just like I’m thankful for the moments and opportunities I’ve gone through at Senior High. All of it adds up and makes me the person I am today.”

Harvey was admittedly ”stunned” when FDSH athletic and activities director Matt Elsbecker called her forward in May as the Nordman Award winner.

”The entire moment was surreal. I turned to my best friend, Mason (Gotto), to see if Mr. Elsbecker really said my name. I felt like crying,” Harvey said. ”I was flooded with so many emotions, not just because of my own journey, but I knew I was surrounded by so many other great Dodger athletes who deserved this.

”When you look at Lehr (Thorson), or Shariah (Smith), or Justice (Crooks), or Gretta (Leigh) — they’re all perfect and worthy candidates to me. So I wanted to thank them and also thank the (teachers and officials) who voted for me. It’s an incredible honor, and it’s still hard for me to believe. There is so much tradition and talent here. I will always cherish being accepted and recognized like this.”

The patience and sacrifice of Harvey’s parents, Joe and Kelly, and her brothers and sisters ”meant everything. Their understanding and acceptance kept me going.”

”They were supportive, even when it may not have made complete sense at the time,” Harvey said. ”I had 35 cousins and all of my brothers and sisters go through St. Edmond. But my family stayed by my side.

”I wouldn’t trade any of this for the world. I’ve built life-long friendships and relationships. Beyond what I’ve been able to accomplish (as an athlete), finding out more about myself and my support system — I can’t think of anything more important than that.”

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today