It’s D1 University of Buffalo for Madison Vaught
Photo by Daisy Draper
Madison Vaught signs her National Letter of Intent, accepting a four-year athletic scholarship to play softball at the University of New York’s University of Buffalo campus.
November 20, 2013
Excitement filled the air as senior Madison Vaught signed her National Letter of Intent to attend the State University of New York’s University of Buffalo at the Charles Reed Bishop Learning Center yesterday, Oct. 19.
“I get to further my education at a great school, and softball is a great bonus,” she said.
Vaught is the first softball player from Kamehameha Maui to sign with a Division 1 school, and, as a “blue chip,” she is a member of an elite group of the 1% of students in the nation who play a sport at a D1 school.
There were tears of joy and many hugs while Vaught signed, with school administration, the athletics department, and family there to support her.
Vaught’s signing means that she has committed to attend and play softball for the school, and in return, Vaught will receive a full four-year scholarship. Of all D1 athletes, only 2% are offered a four-year scholarship.
“She is creating pathways not only for herself, but for other athletic students,” said Michelle Arnold, KSM’s Academic-Athletic Counselor.
Vaught chose Buffalo from among three schools that were trying to recruit her: Texas Southern University, Alabama A&M University, and the University of Buffalo. After recruiting visits to each school this fall, she made her final decision to join the Bulls.
“I knew it [the University of Buffalo] would be a great fit for me because it is such a great school academically. Graduating with a degree from that school really means something. They definitely prepare you to get into the workforce right after graduation. Their softball program is fantastic as well. Their coaches are very well respected, and I know I’ll be able to learn so much from them,” Vaught said.
She has been a standout on the KS Maui softball team for the past three years, in which time the team placed third twice.
Coach Angus Peters had high praise for Vaught and the other two senior girls, Cheyenne Maio-Silva and Kauimakamae Uwekoolani, last year, saying that they pushed the team and worked hard and that he was looking forward to their leadership this year.
Vaught is a strong all-around player who pitches and plays second base and shortstop.
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