Senior Week Spotlight: Madi McNamara
October 24, 2016 | Women's Soccer
This week, we celebrate the 2016 senior class for the Washington women's soccer team, leading up to senior day on Sunday October 30th against Oregon State at Husky Soccer Stadium. We begin with goalkeeper Madi McNamara, who was forced to take a medical disqualification this season due to a wrist injury, but still remains an integral part of team in assisting the staff. While the Vancouver, Wash. native has not appeared in an official match for the Huskies, she has been a vocal leader during her time with the program. Last March, McNamara was named to the 14-member search committee for the next Director of Intercollegiate Athletics by Washington president Ana Mari Cauce, evidence of her involvement and leadership within Husky athletics.
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What has been your favorite moment while here at UW, both on and off the field?
"My favorite moment on the field would probably be when we beat Missouri to go to the Sweet 16 my sophomore year. That whole year had been amazing but during that game we knew we were going to score and it finally happened. We put in so much work that year so having it pay off was really amazing."
"Off the field there have been so many great moments, but my favorite moments would be just before games when we are hanging out in the locker room and everyone's there and getting pumped; sharing the excitement before going to battle."
As a senior, what advice would you give to a freshman?
"It goes fast and you're never going to know when it ends so don't ever leave the field thinking you didn't leave it all out there. Whether it's out at practice, in a game or just with your team."
What's your plan after graduation?
"I am looking at grad schools and I'm pretty interested in the IAL program at UW. I also may want to travel, I'm keeping my options open but most likely grad school whether it be at UW or not."
What will you miss the most about UW and being with the soccer program?
"I think I will miss just being a part of the team and being a part of the UW team especially. This program fosters a family first mentality and I grew up an only child, so finding 25 sisters every single year and growing this network is amazing. There's a saying that you're going to be teammates for life and I truly believe that. Being a teammate you get that special bond you don't really get with friends. The blood sweat and tears we put into this program and sharing that with 25 other players is unforgettable. I'll miss the bonds with teammates that I've made throughout the years."
What would one major takeaway from your experience here be?
"Since I can no longer play, I was a part of the support staff this year. When you're not necessarily on the team anymore, you see everything that goes into being a Husky and see everything going on behind the scenes. It hasn't gone amazing this year but we've stuck together and on senior day we'll have that one more game. I know that no one has thrown in the towel and a lot of people would have. One major takeaway for me would be how strong of a program we have and how bought in everyone is."
