Maddi Stewart's legacy at Lincoln is already well on its way to being one-of-a-kind.

From her competitiveness to her talent to her accomplishments to her leadership — the impact made on the school and athletic program are impossible to ignore.

And while she enters her final act as a Bulldog in her senior year, Stewart has already decided what's next.

Recently, the standout basketball star committed to Nebraska, where she will continue her career on the hardwood at the highest collegiate level.

Stewart, who led the Bulldogs to the program's first state title in March, will join one of the top program's in the Big 10 after graduation after it felt most like home.

"I chose Nebraska because it was the school that felt the most like home away from home," she said. "The coaching staff has always recruited me extremely hard and I have great relationships built up with them."

Stewart chose Nebraska over Oklahoma, Missouri and Oklahoma State, partly due to the relationships built within the Cornhusker program.

"My relationship with Nebraska's staff, players, and program has been nothing but amazing," she said, "They have been recruiting me since sophomore year and as far as the coaches go, they all feel like people who genuinely have my best interest at heart."

She also felt a deep connection to her future teammates, as well as a desire to play in front of some of college sports' best fans.

"When it comes to the players I could not be more excited to go be a part of a group of girls," she said. "They have always been so welcoming to me when I have visited and they truly celebrate each other so well."

"Most importantly though, I am so excited to wear Huskers across my chest because that program has amazing fans who always want to support their teams."

Stewart's mom and Lincoln Christian head coach, Melody, is just as excited to see her in the red and white and competing at the highest level.

"I'm excited to watch her embrace new challenges and continue to grow in every aspect of who she is — as a player, a leader, and a young woman of faith," Melody Stewart said.

"Competing in the Big Ten will stretch her, but I know she's ready. I can't wait to see her represent Nebraska, our family, and Lincoln Christian while using her platform to point others to Christ."

As uniquely her leader on the court and as her mom, Melody and Maddi's journey together has been a special one, full of hard work, dedication and faith from a young age.

"As both her mom and her coach, it has been such a joy to walk alongside Maddi in this journey," she said. "I've seen the hours of work she's put in when no one was watching, and to watch that dedication turn into an opportunity at the next level is really special. What I've loved most is seeing her stay grounded, humble, and centered in her faith throughout the process."

Stewart's recruiting process was hectic at times but she remained centered on her faith and thankful for the opportunities presented amongst the busyness. 

"The recruiting process for me was very fun but also slightly stressful," Maddi Stewart said. "Even though it was hectic I was always so grateful God had even put me in that position to explore that process. I am truly thankful He allowed me all of the opportunities He has."

Ultimately, she was happy to achieve clarity and make her decision before her senior season gets underway, allowing her to focus on her final year at Lincoln.

"Knowing I have decided on my school before my senior year started is like a huge weight off my back," she said. "I feel so excited to finish this last season with my girls and like I can truly just play free this season."

"This offseason for me as a player has only further prepared me for what I need to expect coming into my freshman year of college," she said, "Showing me specifically areas of my game I can improve on further to be successful at the college level."

"Individually I have been working on fine tuning all three levels of my scoring. I will have to be a proficient scorer for both the Bulldogs and the Huskers moving forward."

Stewart was the unanimous MVP of the Class 4A state tournament by The Oklahoman and The Tulsa World, and was also selected as the team MVP and the MVP of the Pinnacle Conference.

She averaged a team-high 14.7 points, team-high 6.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists, along with a team-high 2.5 steals per game.

Stewart shot 46% from the field and a team-high 82% from the line, eclipsing 1,000 points in December at the Tournament of Champions.

With the decision out of the way, Stewart has been able to focus on improving her game over the summer and preparing herself for the final season at Lincoln and her journey to the next level.

Stewart has been a noticeable leader for the Lincoln program throughout her career, mostly through action after learning the power of leading by example.

"I feel like I have grown as a leader in this program by speaking less and doing more," she said.

"I had a misconception coming into my freshman and sophomore years that a leader is the person who talks the most or tells everyone what to do, when in reality sometimes the leader doesn't have to say anything at all to get others to follow suit. I feel as though I have really tried to tap into that my junior year and now headed into my senior year."

Her mom has noticed the same thing, highlighting her ability to lift others up, both on and off the floor that goes hand-in-hand with her competitiveness and drive.

"Maddi has always had a drive to compete, but she's really matured in how she uses her gifts," said the head coach. "She's developed her skills, her understanding of the game, and her ability to elevate those around her."

"As a leader, she's learned when to push, when to encourage, and how to set the tone through consistency and example. That growth has been incredible to watch up close."

Stewart has plenty of goals in mind for when she arrives at Nebraska, as the decorated Bulldog is pretty accustomed to winning.

"I want to accomplish making the NCAA tournament while I'm at Nebraska," she said. "While we're there we might as well try and win some too. But I feel like I am mostly looking forward to the relationships I will continue to grow and how I myself will grow and develop as a player."

But first, she has one more chapter to write at LCS — which includes an obviously goal to strive for, while also being a team that others won't forget.

"A team goal for me this last year is yes, going back-to-back, but also just being the best team. No matter who we're playing or where we are at I want everyone who sees Lincoln Christian to see the best overall team," the senior said.

Stewart has just a few months left on the hardwood at Lincoln, where she will leave as one of the all time greats, without question.

But the totality of her legacy will mean so much more than just her success on the court.

"Maddi's legacy won't just be about points scored or games won," her mom said. "She'll be remembered as someone who gave her very best, poured into her teammates, and carried herself with humility and grace."

"I think she'll inspire younger athletes at LCS to chase big dreams, work hard every day, and trust that God's plan is bigger than anything we could imagine."