Upon review of the Hawkeye Track & Field record book , you’ll find Madison Waymire’s name in several sections. For her race results, you’ll see her listed as an all-time top 10 performer at Iowa in the 3,000-Meter Steeplechase, the 3,000 Meters, and the 4,000 Meters. As a student-athlete who embodies what it means to be a Hawkeye, Madison is listed as a two-time Big Ten Sportsmanship Award recipient. For her efforts in the classroom, Madison is recognized as a multiple-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and a 2017 Big Ten Distinguished Scholar.

It's no surprise that a top performer in competition, the locker room, and the classroom is relied on as a leader. In a 2016 Daily Iowan article by Adam Hensley, Madison’s Hawkeye teammate, Tess Wilberding had this to say about Madison’s effectiveness as a leader: “There have been hard days, and she’s just a teammate you want next to you.”

A 2018 UISRM graduate, Madison (Waymire) Melchert began her preparation for leadership and success at Dallas Center-Grimes (DCG) High School. As a DCG Fillie, Madison won state championships, set school records, was recognized as team MVP, and received recognition for her sportsmanship. On her time as at DCG and how it shaped her approach to leadership, Madison had this to say:

“While at DCG I learned very quickly that the right thing to do was not always the easy or most popular thing. In ways my teammates and I separated ourselves from the norm to get to where we wanted to be as a team. This was not always easy however, my coaches, teammates and family made it a lot easier. I was very blessed with a great support system who shared the same goals and always pushed me to continue down a determined path. As a team we started to change the culture and expectation of DCG Cross-Country.”

After spending her freshman season at the University of Missouri, Madison arrived in Iowa City ready to represent her home state as a Hawkeye. Upon arrival, she met with Student-Athlete Academic Services (SAAS) to discuss coursework. In that meeting, Madison shared “I came to UI not sure what degree I wanted to pursue. Missouri didn’t have a Sport Business program, more of a Leisure Studies degree. The conversation with SAAS taught me I could pursue a degree in Sport and Recreation Management, with a concentration in Coaching and Sport Instruction. I was thrilled.”

Originally hoping to become a collegiate Track and Field Coach after her running days ended, lessons learned in the classroom, experiences as a collegiate athlete, and reflection of her time at DCG began to recalibrate Madison’s career goals. “I started to place greater value on the importance of community and building culture,” said Madison. “These are parts of college athletic programs, but I started to think the more I could focus my team on culture, the greater impact on a community I could have.”

As Madison neared the end of her time as a student-athlete at Iowa, the Iowa State Board of Education Examiners (BoEE) approved UISRM’s proposal to offer a certificate in Athletics/Activities Administration. Upon earning the certificate, an individual can apply for licensure with the BoEE to serve as an Athletics/Activities Administrator in the state. The news was music to Madison’s ears. “When I chose to transfer from Missouri to Iowa, my coach at Missouri was supportive and reminded me that I have to run for myself, not for others. The recognition of the AD Certificate by the BoEE gave me the path to work in sport and recreation in a manner that aligned with my values,” said Madison.

To complete her degree, as is the case with all UISRM majors, Madison needed to earn field experience credit to develop hands-on knowledge and skills. Her first field experience involved working for Grimes Parks and Recreation. Madison’s responsibilities included fundraising, administration, and organizing leisurely activities. Of the internship, Madison says “working at Grimes Parks and Recreation was a valuable learning experience, but my desire for competition wasn’t fulfilled.”

With Madison’s intrigue around UISRM’s AD Certificate growing and a decision regarding her final field experience looming, she learned of an internship opportunity at Solon High School. In the role, she’d report to Zach Wigle who at the time was Solon’s Activities Director. Of the experience Madison explains: “Zach allowed me to sit in on meetings and attend conferences.  I was able to see how far in advance an AD must schedule and plan as well as the level of collaboration among other ADs and schools. The experience really brought what I learned in class to life.” Most importantly, Madison saw firsthand how much a community gets excited about and rallies around interscholastic sport and fine arts activities.

After graduation, Madison first managed a running and walking store, but her competitive spirit still burned. Through connections made during her internship at Solon, family, and friends, Madison learned of Dallas Center-Grimes’ desire to hire an Assistant Activities Director. Madison eagerly applied, earned the position, and began her career in Athletics/Activities Administration in fall, 2019. With the position, Madison builds culture and community while leading interscholastic athletes to be their competitive best.

There is no question that in her role, Madison leads and empowers DCG’s athletes, coaches, and families to strive for excellence. When asked how being a student-athlete helps her in the role of AD, Madison offers: “I’m able to understand the emotions that come out through activities. Knowing when and why emotions emerge helps me to build culture while supporting athlete achievement. I also want to lead by example and show that a female AD brings new perspective and skills to a position primarily held by males.”

Not only does Madison lead at DCG, but she is an active member of the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association (IHSADA) and hopes to leave her mark on the organization. She is beginning her role as Junior Director of Middle Schools within IHSADA and hoping to be the start of growing female representation among the organization and the profession.

Madison’s story is one that highlights the roles that athletic competition and one’s academic journey play in first developing and then leveraging leadership abilities. UISRM wishes Madison and her athletes the best as she builds community and culture at DCG, within IHSADA, and beyond.