Breaking Barriers and Building Legacy: Madison Wasen ’20 — A Hall of Fame Trailblazer

St. Catherine of Siena Academy is cheering on alumna Madison Wasen ’20, who was recently inducted into the Catholic League Hall of Fame for Cheer—becoming the first cheerleader in history to receive this incredible honor.

Madison’s journey is one of talent, grit, and heart. After Ladywood High School closed, Madison found a home at St. Catherine, where she immediately became a vibrant part of our community. Already active in field hockey and softball, she added competitive cheer to her list of accomplishments—falling in love with the sport and giving it her all.

At SCA, Madison stood out not just as an athlete, but as a leader and role model. Her drive, kindness, and team spirit left a lasting impression on coaches, teammates, and the entire school. She earned All-Catholic League honors and helped shape what it means to compete with character and grace.

After graduating in 2020, Madison took her cheer career to the next level at Alma College—following in the footsteps of her mom, a former Alma cheerleader, and her dad, who played football and lacrosse for the college. At Alma, Madison became a four-time All-American and four-time National Champion, making cheer history and inspiring future athletes in the process.

During her Catholic League Hall of Fame speech, Madison thanked St. Catherine for giving her a home and shared special appreciation for her SCA cheer coaches, Erin and Anna, who sparked her love for the sport and supported her from the very beginning. The award was presented by our very own Principal Judy Hehs, a CHSL Hall of Fame member herself.

And there’s more to celebrate—Madison has also been nominated by SCA Athletic Director Carlos Calderon for the St. Catherine of Siena Academy Hall of Fame. In his nomination letter, Mr. Calderon wrote:

“Madison exemplifies the true spirit of what it means to be a STAR, both during her time as a student-athlete at St. Catherine and in her extraordinary accomplishments after graduation... Her achievements, faith, leadership, and legacy make Madison Wasen a clear and deserving candidate.”

Today, Madison continues to live out those STAR values. With a degree in healthcare administration and a heart for mentorship, she’s now coaching high school competitive cheer—helping young athletes grow just as she once did.

We’re so proud of you, Madison. You’ve set the bar high, and your St. Catherine family is cheering for you every step of the way.

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