Meet, Madison Hayley
Calgary-based beach volleyball rock star, coach and dog mom.
After having surrendered her dream to injury for 3 years, Madison has made her return to professional beach volleyball, leaving nothing off the table... or, the sand.
As an Occupational/Physiotherapist by trade and with her passion for people; their well-being and personal successes, Madison has carved out a means to bring all of her pursuits under one net. When not training or competing, she can be found coaching U18 girls indoor and beach volleyball in Calgary, for the same club she played for growing up - the Jr. Dinos Womens Volleyball Club. She lives for the opportunity to help shape the futures of this next generation of up-and-coming athletes, and finds incredible joy in helping her young athletes grow into strong, independent women, both on and off the court.
This season, Madi takes on some of Canada's biggest beach volleyball tournaments, including the first Calgary Open, the Vancouver Open - which classically hosts Canada's cream of the crop with many Olympic level athletes in attendance. Other stops include; Montreal, Seattle and Toronto. It's all-in this season as Madison gears up to tackle the world stage next year, with dreams of taking her volleyball career to the next level. Do we spy an Olympic athlete in the making?
When she's not crushing it on the sand, Madison likes to get away to the Rockies as much as possible with her family, hit the water for some wake surfing or river kayaking and can be typically found in the company of her dog, Kiya.
"After having beach volleyball taken away for so long I have a whole new appreciation and love for the game and the challenges it brings.Coaching in the club I grew up playing for is pretty special. Now, I'm the type of athlete that is very motivated. Once I set a goal I do everything possible to get there. So, I am training hard and treating/prioritizing beach volleyball as I would a job. I love it and can't wait to see where it takes me."
We caught up with Madi for a little Q&A:
RDF: Tell us one neat fact about you.
MH: I actually used to race cars when I was young, in a series called 'Mini Cup'. And my brother has raced in NASCAR.
RDF: Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of your athletics?
MH: I coach volleyball as well - indoor and beach. I just love being active. Hiking, mountain biking, river kayaking. And I have a dog, so I am always with her.
RDF: Are there other sports you would like to pursue, try or learn more about?
MH: I've gotten into mountain biking with my dad and brother, so I'd like to continue with that. And I'd love to try rock climbing.
RDF: Favourite food?
MH: Perogies and sausages!
RDF: Least favourite food?
MH: Olives... don't know how people like these.
RDF: What are your goals for 2022 and beyond?
MH: Right now - focus on me. I've spent my life so far putting others before me and now I'm trying to let myself be ok with being selfish and going for what I want.
Catch Madison training at The Beach YYC in Calgary and popping up at outdoor courts and tournaments across the county this season.
Welcome to the RacedayFuel Team, Madi!
Curious how Madison fuels? Check out her athlete profile here to find her “Top Picks”.
While you’re at it, fuel up with 10% off when you use Madison's promo code MADISONH10.
All images by: Daylin Holmen (Instagram: @daylinholmen)