Purdue University Northwest Director of Athletics Rick Costello has announced the hiring of Madesyn Samples as the inaugural head coach for the STUNT program.
"I am delighted to welcome Madesyn Samples as the first head coach for Purdue Northwest STUNT," said Director of Athletics, Rick Costello. "This marks a historic day for the Pride, and I am proud to have Madesyn lead this exciting new program."
Purdue Northwest is the first institution in the state of Indiana to add a varsity STUNT team. Officially recognized as an emerging sport by the NCAA, STUNT is the 21st intercollegiate sport on the PNW roster. Purdue Northwest will begin competition in STUNT during the 2024-2025 athletics season.
Madesyn joins Purdue Northwest after serving as the head cheer coach at Linfield University in McMinnville, Oregon. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in choreographing routines, leading recruitment efforts, and spearheading community engagement initiatives.
Before her role as the head cheer coach for Linfield, she was the Oregon State University All-Girl Cheer Coach for a year.
A graduate of Oregon State University in June 2022, Madesyn was a member of the university cheer team during her time as a student. She also served as the team captain and was awarded an OSU Cheer Scholarship for her outstanding efforts.
"I am thrilled to be joining the PNW family. Building a STUNT program is surreal and is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said Samples. "I began cheering when I was four years old and it is truly amazing to see the growing recognition and rise of STUNT. It allows us to show all the skill, hard work, and athleticism that encompasses cheer. I am excited to get the Pride STUNT family started!"
Madesyn earned her Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Degree with a focus in Advanced Molecular Biology while also earning a minor in Chemistry from Oregon State University.
STUNT, one of the fastest growing sports in the country, incorporates skills derived from cheerleading. STUNT is an exciting head-to-head game between two teams who execute skills-based routines in various categories – partner stunts, jumps & tumbling, pyramids & tosses, and team routines. For more information on STUNT please click on the link. About STUNT - YouTube.
