UW Center for Leadership in Athletics

March 27, 2026

Madison Blatchford Steps Into New Role As IAL Program Assistant Director

Madison Blatchford Headshot

The Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership (IAL) program is thrilled to announce the promotion of Madison Blatchford into an Assistant Director role. Madison has served as IAL Program Specialist since before her own graduation from the program in 2019, navigating the complex, often turbulent higher education landscape to ensure smooth operational sailing for close to ten years.

“Madison’s promotion to Assistant Director is a testament to her unwavering dedication to students, her exceptional operational expertise and a gift for developing critical program partnerships,” Dr. Hannah Olson said.

While her contributions have transcended any singular job description, one of Madison’s most integral responsibilities is managing the IAL student experience from recruitment through graduation. She plays a critical role in working with prospective students, spearheading admissions, and onboarding each new IAL cohort. Once students have entered the program, Madison ensures positive experience by supporting program faculty, managing all program operations, and connecting past and present cohorts to countless professional opportunities through an expansive IAL network.

“Madison consistently demonstrates a bold vision for leading a nation-leading graduate program, while remaining a collaborative teammate who elevates everyone around her,” Olson said. “Her willingness to take on the behind‑the‑scenes work speaks to her integrity, commitment, and deep care for the success of our students, faculty and the entire IAL community.”

In her new role, Madison will handle more long-term strategic planning for the program, including curriculum development and revision in response to the constantly changing field of athletics. She’ll also manage comprehensive program reviews, oversee new alumni initiatives, and engage in student advising.

Madison is the machine that makes the program hum. She propels cohort after cohort forward with a smooth, nearly undetectable cadence. In fact, she’s so efficient at what she does that it almost goes under the radar — almost. Congratulations to Madison for her well-deserved promotion — the innumerable students, staff and faculty associated with the IAL are beyond lucky to have her at the helm of their program.