MADARA NAMED HEAD WOMEN’S AND MEN’S TENNIS COACH AT GRINNELL COLLEGE
Grinnell College Athletics
GRINNELL, Iowa – Paige Madara has been a model of success in tennis, and she’s looking forward to bringing that trait to Grinnell College and its traditionally-strong programs.
Madara has been named the Pioneers’ head women’s and men’s tennis coach, taking over duties from Andy Hamilton ’85. Hamilton resigned the post after recently becoming Grinnell’s Director of Athletics and Recreation.
Madara played collegiately at Washington University in St. Louis, which boasts tennis programs that are consistently among the best at the NCAA Division III level.
She then served as the assistant women’s coach for the Bears from 2013 through 2015, followed by a move to Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va., where she was the assistant women’s coach.
Washington and Lee achieved a D-III top 15 ranking last season while claiming the Old Dominion Athletic Conference Tournament title and finishing with a 19-6 record.
The Generals advanced to the third round of the NCAA Tournament and had two players earn spots in the individual NCAA Tournament, one who earned All-America honors.
During her time coaching at Washington University, she helped the team to a No. 8 national ranking in 2013-14 and No. 13 ranking the following season. She guided three players to All-America honors.
As a player for the Bears from 2009 through 2013, Madara finished with 98 singles and doubles wins and propelled her team to the NCAA Quarterfinals for the second time in school history.
A team captain, Madara was also an ITA Scholar-Athlete and a University Athletic Association all-league selection while earning a spot on the conference’s Presidents Council Scholar-Athlete squad.
She majored in psychology and minored in public health at Washington University and before earning her master’s in social work with a mental health concentration.
“I want to thank Athletic Director Andy Hamilton, Dean Michael Latham and the entire search committee for giving me this amazing opportunity to join the Grinnell College community,” said Madara, who is also a member of the faculty. “I am excited to build upon the successful foundation that coach Hamilton established, and I am honored to work alongside so many accomplished coaches in this department. I look forward to supporting the student-athletes on and off the court to enhance their educational experience and build a strong foundation for their future success.”
Madara takes over successful squads at Grinnell. The Pioneer men are consistently in the regional rankings and won their 13th Midwest Conference title in a row last season. The women have won 10 of the last 13 MWC crowns.
“Through the interview process Paige showed a fine understanding about Grinnell, and she was able to make connections between her past experiences and our current needs,” said Hamilton. “Clearly Paige’s college playing career should correlate well with the goals of our tennis program. We look forward to her future success with both the women’s and men’s teams.”
