For Maddie, this isn't just another competition. It's the realization of a dream that has been years in the making.

A Childhood Dream Becomes Reality

Every athlete has a defining moment that reminds them why they started. For Maddie Stanton, wearing the Team USA jersey represents years of dedication, countless hours in the water, and an unwavering passion for surfing.

Her dream began long before she ever qualified for the national team.

Since 2015, Maddie has experienced the excitement of the ISA World Surfing Championships firsthand. She recalls the Resano family from Nicaragua staying with her family during the ISA event in Oceanside, creating lasting friendships and introducing her to the incredible international surfing community.

Watching athletes march in the Parade of Nations, cheering for surfers from around the globe, and witnessing the pride each country carried inspired Maddie from an early age.

Now, years later, she has the opportunity to walk into that same parade—not as a spectator, but as a member of Team USA.

"Wearing the USA jersey has been the ultimate dream of mine." - Maddie Stanton

That dream has officially become reality.

Representing the United States on the World Stage

The ISA World Junior Surfing Championship is considered one of the premier international competitions for junior surfers. Each year, the event brings together elite athletes from dozens of countries, many of whom go on to become World Surf League professionals and Olympic competitors.

The 2026 championship will once again be hosted in Surf City El Salvador, a destination that has become one of the world's leading venues for international surfing events through its long-term partnership with the International Surfing Association. The 2026 World Junior Surfing Championship is scheduled for September 4–13, offering another opportunity for the world's best young surfers to compete in consistent, world-class waves.

For Maddie, representing the United States means competing alongside the nation's top junior surfers while carrying the responsibility and honor of wearing the red, white, and blue.

Years of Hard Work Paying Off

Selection to Team USA doesn't happen overnight.

Maddie's journey has been built through years of dedication, early mornings, extensive travel, disciplined training, and consistent performances in regional, national, and international competitions.

From winning major USA Surfing events and earning podium finishes across California to competing internationally, each competition has helped prepare her for this opportunity.

Her selection reflects not only her competitive results but also the determination and work ethic that have defined her career.

Although this achievement marks a significant milestone, Maddie knows it's only the beginning.

"The hard work is just getting started." - Maddie Stanton

Thankful for the People Behind the Journey

No athlete reaches this level alone.

Following the announcement, Maddie expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported her journey—from family and lifelong friends to coaches, mentors, and sponsors who have believed in her every step of the way.

Their encouragement, guidance, and investment have helped shape the athlete she is today.

As Maddie prepares for El Salvador, she also looks forward to competing alongside an incredible Team USA squad, united by a shared goal of representing their country with pride.

Surf City El Salvador: A World-Class Stage

Surf City El Salvador has become one of the premier destinations for international surfing, hosting numerous ISA World Championships since 2019. Known for its consistent Pacific swells, high-performance waves, and passionate surf culture, it provides an ideal setting for the world's top junior surfers.

The continued partnership between the International Surfing Association (ISA) and Surf City El Salvador has strengthened the country's reputation as a global surfing destination while giving athletes an exceptional venue to compete at the highest level.

For Maddie, returning to an ISA event in El Salvador as a Team USA athlete makes the experience even more meaningful.

Looking Ahead

As September approaches, Maddie Stanton enters an exciting new chapter in her competitive surfing career.

Representing the United States at the 2026 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship is both an incredible honor and an opportunity to compete against the best junior surfers in the world.

With years of preparation behind her and the support of her family, coaches, teammates, and sponsors, Maddie is ready to embrace the challenge and proudly represent Team USA on the international stage.

The journey that began with a childhood dream now continues on surfing's biggest junior stage.

Let's go, USA!