Madelyn Bakken '26 Recruiting Profile

They say that you will always remember the first time you fall in love. At the bright age of 4 as I walked across that recreation league soccer field and kicked that soccer ball for the first time, I knew I was hooked. As our relationship continued to grow throughout the years, I have spent 11 of them playing on our local recreation league team. Throughout our time together, it has been my dream for us to play soccer at the collegiate level. Even when I started to dabble into other sports, my feelings for soccer never waivered. I have continued over the last 6 years to play basketball and the last 11 years competing in dance. Like any relationship, I have worked and continue to work hard in balancing soccer with the rest of my passions. Despite us experiencing the trials of Covid together and my parents brutal divorce, soccer has always been there for me. 

I am excited to take my relationship with soccer to the next level by playing with the Oregon Soccer Club starting this fall. During the past 11 years, I have developed a lot of different life skills including: patience, dedication, organization, and determination. Being a positive team player and encouraging of others is very important to me. Balancing my relationship with soccer and my school work has come easily to me. I have maintained a 3.5 GPA.

Our relationship has brought me so many friendships. Soccer has never been jealous of my volunteer work time. Because of this, it has brought me one of the best friendships with my Miracle League Buddy, Josie. The Miracle League removes barriers that keep kids with mental and physical disabilities off the baseball field so they can experience the joys of baseball. Josie has down's syndrome and being her buddy has taught me so much and will be something I continue to cherish forever. Being her buddy every Thursday night, I protect her from balls, assist her in batting, pitch to her, and support her on and off the field. During the winter months, I volunteer through the local recreation department to teach elementary aged kids futsal skills. I play futsal and indoor soccer for a league as well during the winter. My educational goal in college is to pursue a sports management degree. This fall I managed the high school boys varsity soccer team. 

Off the field, I am a fun, loving, spirited person. I love to go to the movies, play with our four dogs, shop, dance and sing to music, torment my younger brother, Hudson, and work my part time job for the Madison Mallards, a summer collegiate minor league baseball team. I don't see my relationship with soccer ending any time soon and I look forward to showing you all the physical and mental skills we have developed throughout our time together. Thank you for taking the time to read my personal statement.