Wake Forest Athletics
Deacon Sports Xtra: Five Questions with Madison Hammond
3/18/2022 12:30:00 PM | Women's Soccer, Les Johns
Madison Hammond graduated after the 2019 Wake Forest women's soccer season and navigated her way through a global pandemic to begin her professional career. After her plans to play in Spain didn't quite pan out, she saw her rights picked up by OL Reign in the NWSL, where she became the first Native American to play and start in that league.
She was selected by Nike as a beacon for the Native American community in its celebration of Native American Month, with billboards featuring Hammond displayed in both Los Angeles and New York City. Hammond recently spoke with Deacon Sports Xtra for a Five Questions feature.
What is it like to play soccer under Wake Forest coach Tony da Luz?
Hammond: "Playing for Tony is definitely an experience. He's somebody who has become someone I can look up to as a mentor. During my time with him I learned what I was supposed to. Now in my professional career, the things he showed us really make sense. Playing for Tony was great and this year was a testament for what he's capable of. I hope next year will be just as positive."
What are some of your best memories from Wake Forest?
Hammond: "My senior year I was fortunate and grateful to have received the inaugural Ron Wellman Award with Cade Carney. Anyone who tours Wake Forest down the road will look and see my name on a plaque in the brand-new facility we have. That's really powerful, and I probably don't give myself enough credit for that. There might be a person of color who sees that you can really succeed at Wake Forest in many facets. There are a lot of spaces of opportunity at Wake Forest if you're looking for them. I'm really grateful to be a part of that legacy and hopefully inspire future athletes who are deciding to come to Wake Forest. It's really a great school and it needs to continue to highlight all voices."
What was it like when you learned the historical significance of your first NWSL start?
Hammond: "You're just trying to make it like everyone else. Can someone fact check, please? I just feel like through all of this, the Nike campaign, becoming the first Native American to play in the league, starting in the league and even just signing the contract — it's all been like 'are we sure?' It's me not only being young but also not realizing that all the work I've put into this sport is really starting to pay off. I'm trying to learn how to celebrate all these wins more proudly."
How would you describe your Wake Forest experience?
Hammond: "I grew so much as a person. My freshman year I felt a lot less confident — I questioned if it was the right place for me. Our team really turned it around after my freshman year, where we didn't make the tournament. My sophomore and junior years were amazing with team chemistry and it propelled me to grow as a player and a person. On the field, I progressed, got better, fitter, faster and stronger. Off the field, I found more of my voice of who I wanted to be at Wake Forest as a woman of color and an athlete on campus in terms of the influence and inspiration we can be with campus student life."
How much have you seen the athletic department evolve since your arrival in 2016?
Hammond: "One of the most exciting things about my time at Wake Forest is I saw the athletic department undergo a lot of changes and we had an increase in resources for women's athletics. There was a lot of progress I saw at Wake, but still so much that needs to be done.
"Even as a pro now, I'd love to have the facilities that the Wake Forest women's soccer team enjoys."
She was selected by Nike as a beacon for the Native American community in its celebration of Native American Month, with billboards featuring Hammond displayed in both Los Angeles and New York City. Hammond recently spoke with Deacon Sports Xtra for a Five Questions feature.
What is it like to play soccer under Wake Forest coach Tony da Luz?
Hammond: "Playing for Tony is definitely an experience. He's somebody who has become someone I can look up to as a mentor. During my time with him I learned what I was supposed to. Now in my professional career, the things he showed us really make sense. Playing for Tony was great and this year was a testament for what he's capable of. I hope next year will be just as positive."
What are some of your best memories from Wake Forest?
Hammond: "My senior year I was fortunate and grateful to have received the inaugural Ron Wellman Award with Cade Carney. Anyone who tours Wake Forest down the road will look and see my name on a plaque in the brand-new facility we have. That's really powerful, and I probably don't give myself enough credit for that. There might be a person of color who sees that you can really succeed at Wake Forest in many facets. There are a lot of spaces of opportunity at Wake Forest if you're looking for them. I'm really grateful to be a part of that legacy and hopefully inspire future athletes who are deciding to come to Wake Forest. It's really a great school and it needs to continue to highlight all voices."
What was it like when you learned the historical significance of your first NWSL start?
Hammond: "You're just trying to make it like everyone else. Can someone fact check, please? I just feel like through all of this, the Nike campaign, becoming the first Native American to play in the league, starting in the league and even just signing the contract — it's all been like 'are we sure?' It's me not only being young but also not realizing that all the work I've put into this sport is really starting to pay off. I'm trying to learn how to celebrate all these wins more proudly."
How would you describe your Wake Forest experience?
Hammond: "I grew so much as a person. My freshman year I felt a lot less confident — I questioned if it was the right place for me. Our team really turned it around after my freshman year, where we didn't make the tournament. My sophomore and junior years were amazing with team chemistry and it propelled me to grow as a player and a person. On the field, I progressed, got better, fitter, faster and stronger. Off the field, I found more of my voice of who I wanted to be at Wake Forest as a woman of color and an athlete on campus in terms of the influence and inspiration we can be with campus student life."
How much have you seen the athletic department evolve since your arrival in 2016?
Hammond: "One of the most exciting things about my time at Wake Forest is I saw the athletic department undergo a lot of changes and we had an increase in resources for women's athletics. There was a lot of progress I saw at Wake, but still so much that needs to be done.
"Even as a pro now, I'd love to have the facilities that the Wake Forest women's soccer team enjoys."
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