​EVANSVILLE — It may be a while before the next Maddy Shirley steps onto a basketball floor. The Central High School standout not only rewrote the Bears’ record book but also challenged milestones many thought were out of reach for Evansville players. Her impact extended beyond the statistics, as Shirley’s presence helped lift Central to levels the program hadn’t reached before. She stands as one of the most accomplished players in Southern Indiana Athletic Conference history and is truly worthy of the conference’s highest honor.
Shirley was named the 2026 Banterra Bank Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year by the SIAC on Thursday, July 9—a career accolade as much as a reflection of her final season on First Avenue. The award recognizes athletic achievement, academic success, and community service. “I got to reflect on everything the past four years at the banquet,” Shirley told the Courier & Press in March. “Win three sectionals and one regional. The Central community always comes out and supports. No matter the game, we had something to play for. There are going to be days you don’t want to be there. It pays off and goes by fast. If you go out there with the same attitude and effort, control what you can control, you’ll be all right.”
There isn’t much left to say about Shirley’s career. The 6-foot-1 forward finished with 2,113 career points, placing her second only to Mater Dei’s Maura Muensterman and tying for 38th in Indiana state history, while adding 1,069 career rebounds. Only a handful of female athletes have entered the state record books with that combination of scoring and rebounding numbers. A four-time All-SIAC selection, she was named SIAC Player of the Year three times. Among her most memorable performances was a 46-point show in the 2025 semi-state, a scoring outburst that ranks among the highest in state tournament history. Her prowess was recognized locally as well, with a streak of Courier & Press All-Metro Player of the Year honors during her career.
Shirley’s final season may be remembered as one of her best, given the circumstances. She averaged 23.5 points on 52 percent shooting, 12.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.2 blocks, all while playing through a troublesome foot strain that could have sidelined her. Central captured its third sectional title in four years and also claimed the consolation game title at the Hall of Fame Classic in December, despite dealing with multiple injuries on the roster. Shirley’s leadership and resilience were pivotal as Central navigated a demanding schedule and still found success.
Her achievements mark a historic milestone for Central. Shirley becomes the first Central player—male or female—to earn the SIAC Athlete of the Year award since Avion Sullivan in 2014. Her tenure at Central included 75 victories and the program’s first regional championship, underscoring her role in elevating Evansville basketball to new heights. Her No. 23 jersey may have graced the court for the final time, but her legacy will endure in the records she rewrote, the battles she waged through adversity, and the standard she set for future Bears.