Many athletes want to play at the highest level possible for them whether it be high school, college or the pros. They work hard to win championships and bring pride to their school, but sometimes life takes a detour and athletes either are forced to or choose to transfer to another school. What is the transfer process like? As athletes take on a new school and system they face unprecedented challenges along the way to success, and it doesn’t always come. So is it really worth it? Liden Krush (‘24) transferred from Oakton to Madison last winter, and his story is one worth sharing.

Liden grew up in the Oakton zone his whole life, so when his family decided to move into Madison territory, his life became askew. “Leaving Oakton wasn’t something that I wanted to do but it was not something I was opposed to.” He said some of his challenges included faster classes and not getting to see his best friends every day.

One of the biggest challenges and fears that transferring players have is integrating with the team and finding people to talk to, but for Liden this wasn’t an issue. He had played football at Oakton for all three of his years there, and he wanted to play for Madison as well. Because of the short distance between Madison and Oakton he already knew some of his teammates and met more during offseason workouts. “Meeting people on the team did not take very long. Since the schools are so close, I was already familiar with some of my teammates. In addition to that, Madison holds off season workouts almost the entire offseason. So meeting my new teammates was a very quick and natural process.”

Liden had a huge season with Madison playing both tight end and quarterback. He had a significant role in the team’s success, winning twelve games and making it to the state semi-finals. When he was reflecting on the season and his memories, he commented on the team’s comradery and continued success. “It was one of the coolest things I’ve ever been a part of, when that many people can come together, even after a long physical season, and put everything they have left into trying to be champions.” The team’s great season wouldn’t have been the same without his effort. “The sense of community here is something that is hard to replicate.”

Transferring is a scary detour, but Liden said that he zoned out other people’s opinions and just worked as hard as he could. “Many things were said about me and my move when I left. And a big thing that helped me get through the situation I was in was to realize that most people only care about themselves and don’t actually know what’s going on in your life.”