UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – "Success with honor" is something that is synonymous among Penn State athletics and throughout the tradition of the school's storied sports programs. This saying truly epitomizes the character and play of the Nittany Lion's redshirt senior defender Maddie Nolf.
Nolf, a two time Academic All-Big Ten recipient, has established a great reputation for herself throughout the program. On top of being the anchor of Penn State's backline, helping lead the team to five shutouts already this season, she is also known as a phenomenal leader and person.
"Maddie Nolf is an incredible young woman," head coach Erica Dambach said of her team's captain and fourth-year starter.
Dambach continued on to praise the leadership qualities of the Omaha, Nebraska native: "If you ask our underclassman, they would describe (Nolf) as really well put together and just an incredible role model."
However, it was not always this way. Nolf had her share of growing up to do when she first arrived on campus, just as many student-athletes do with the difficult transition to college athletics. However, thanks to her incredible work ethic and competitive nature, she was able to turn into the best version of herself.
"Her growth since her freshman year has been very intentional, it's been very deliberate. She had a lot of growing up to do and she knew it," Dambach said. "She figured out herself and what her methods were to grow as a person and a leader. She's grown into one of the best leaders I've seen in this program."
Nolf, true to her good character, admitted to the shortcomings she experienced as an underclassman.
"My weakness, especially my freshman year, was time management," Nolf said. "I have some great stories about missing different things (like meetings). My intentions were good but I was just naturally an unorganized person. I've worked on that a ton and have been able to be more successful because I can manage my time better."
"Just the experiences throughout my time at Penn State have helped me grow," Nolf added.
Part of her transition into the person and player she is today can be attributed to someone special in her life – her husband. Maddie Nolf, formerly Maddie Elliston, met Jason Nolf, a member of Penn State's wrestling team, during the 2014-15 school year. The two quickly gelled over their similar competitive natures and successes in their respective sports.
"I always try to surround myself with the best, most quality people," Nolf said. "People with great character. People that love well. People that would do anything for you. People that strive to be their best selves. Jason is no different. I'm really lucky I found him."
Considering the fact that both Nolfs are national champions, Jason in the 2016-2017 season on the mats and Maddie in the 2015 season on the soccer field, it is clear that their relationship has greatly benefited both student-athlete's performances.
"I think Jason is a wonderful influence on her and vise-versa. They've made each other better humans, athletes, and just better people all around," Dambach noted. "Those two are winners. They're winners in every way in life. They give themselves to the team and turn themselves over to the team. To their religion as well."
Nolf echoed a similar message to that of her coach.
"I think (our relationship) helped us both be better competitors," the Nutritional Sciences major said. "I think I'm a better soccer player because of him and I think he's a better wrestler because of me. And in life, I think we're better because we push each other in everything that we do."
Watching Jason, the reigning Big Ten Wrestler of the Year, carry himself each and every day helped Maddie mold herself as a leader.
"He was a person I naturally gravitated to because of his work ethic," Maddie Nolf said.
She continued: "My dad always told me you should surround yourself with people that are just as passionate and successful and great at what they do."
She found that in her husband.
With Jason in her corner, Maddie will look to grow her legacy here at Penn State and hopefully add another championship trophy to the Nolf's already impressive collection.
