With the 26^th season of the WNBA arriving, it is a goal that almost every female basketball player wants to fulfill in their life. For Madison Hayes, the dream of playing in the WNBA is on her list to accomplish. Madison began her basketball career in the 8^th grade. During that time, she also played softball; but, would soon have to pick one sport to fully commit. By the time 8^th grade ended, Madison dropped softball and fully concentrated on the game that she love: basketball.

During high school, Madison dominated the courts and helped lead the East Hamilton team to the district championship game in her junior year and was named both the 2019 Today Tennessee Player of the Year, Class AAA Miss Tennessee Basketball Player of the Year, and was also a member of the 2019 FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup-winning team. In her senior year, Hayes was rated as a 5-star recruit, ranked the 28^th player in the country by ESPNW, and ranked 7^th in guards in the class of 2020. Her 2020 basketball campaign was a success as she was the 2020 Class AAA Miss Tennessee Basketball Player of the Year, the 2020 Tennessee Player of the Year, and was named McDonald’s All-American Gatorade. Hayes concluded her school career with 3,055 points, 1,583 rebounds, 459 assists, 457 steals, and 259 blocks.

Madison began her college career at Mississippi State University. In her freshman year, Hayes ranked second on the team in rebounds, played all 19 games in the 2020-2l, and started in 9 final games of the season. Her first year at Mississippi State concluded with Hayes being named to the SEC All-Freshman Team. After the 2020-21 season, Madison entered the transfer portal and committed to continuing her collegiate career at North Carolina State University (NC State). As a member of the NC State Wolfpack, Hayes continues to make a huge impact on the team as she continues to improve her game and lead the team both on and off the court. Currently, NC State is ranked 4^th in the nation in the Top 25 NCAA Women’s Basketball poll and 3^rd in the AP Poll.

Balancing academics and athletics isn’t always the easiest thing. However, with the help of tutors and the right resources, it can make the work easier and better. Madison explains that she has managed to balance both her studies and ball with the help of an app. “I balanced basketball and academics by using this app called “Teamworks,” Hayes states. “It would help to let you know what time I have practice, class, tutoring sessions, etc. So you don’t have to remember on your own because it can be overwhelming sometimes because I have a life too. This app has helped in so many ways.” As a communication major, Madison sees herself being a sportscaster as she explains how her major is applicable to the sport. “I am studying communications. It applies to my sport because I want to be a sports broadcaster/ journalist. I want to stay in sports because I love all sports and I know so much about them. I feel like this is a field that I could be successful in.” Along with being a sportscaster, Madison aims to fulfill her dream of playing in the WNBA along with coaching a team down the road.

Women’s basketball continues to make a statement in the sports world. Madison sees that women’s basketball is finally getting the recognition that it deserves. From media coverage to the increase of attendance for women’s basketball games, Hayes hopes to see the WNBA create more teams and opportunities for female college athletes. Madison comes from a basketball family as both of her parents played ball in college.  After college, her father ends up playing professionally for a couple of years.  For Madison, her parents are more than just athletes; they are her role models. “They wanted me to figure out what I love and do what I love. When I made my decision to take basketball seriously, they told me that if you really want this, put your heart into it and that’s what I did,” Hayes states. Madison shares that her mother is the rock that has helped and supported her through life situations. “She’s helped me in a lot of situations that I couldn’t do by myself. She was real with me about every situation and she’s helped me become the woman I am today. My parents have taken part in who I am,” Madison said.

When it comes to believing in yourself, confidence is key. Madison advises future athletes that want to bring their game to the next level on the importance of confidence, practicing their craft, and having fun. “At the end of the day, basketball is a game and it’s what you love to do. At the same time, if you want to go to a further level such as going pro or overseas then you have to put in work and be confident in your game,” Hayes states. 

Madison’s journey is one that defines the meaning of aspiring to inspire. Madison humbly explains why her story stands out: “I started playing basketball later than everyone else and I was behind. People thought that I wasn’t going to get to where I’m at today,” states Hayes. “I’ve achieved a lot throughout a short period of time knowing I had to prove myself to not only other people but to myself because I knew I had to put in work and be better every day to get back on track or surpass everyone else. I’m blessed to be in this position because knowing that I started out playing softball and being looked at for the sport and then eventually getting offers for volleyball that basketball was what I love and that my hard work is paying off, but I can’t stop there. My story has only just begun and I can’t wait for what the future holds for me.” 

As an official Beautiful Ballers athlete, Madison was ecstatic and expressed how amazing it has been to be a part of the Beautiful Ballers team. “It's not just about the merch that they make, it’s more about being able to share what we want to talk about by using our aspirations to other people by using this platform,” Hayes states. She continues to describe the perspective that it gives to young girls and women outside of sports.  “It’s about empowering other women and young girls that play sports or those who don’t play sports at all look up to us. A lot of them can relate to our stories or what we talk about, we take every feedback from every topic into consideration and talk about those things with them. So it’s good to see people being active with us and being to be a part of our world. You never really know who's watching.”

To learn more about Madison, be sure to follow her on Instagram: mad_baller21