University of Minnesota Athletics
Alumni Spotlight: Maddie Gaffney
9/26/2023 5:02:00 PM | Soccer
Although there aren't many statistics that reflect the talent of defenders, Maddie Gaffney is regarded as one of the best to play in the Maroon and Gold's backline. A 2018 graduate of the University of Minnesota, Gaffney won the Big Ten in 2016 and made the NCAA Tournament twice with her fellow teammates. Gaffney competed in 72 games for Minnesota and started the last 64 of her career, she ended it with All-Big Ten Third Team recognition and memories that will last a life time. In honor of the 30th Year of Golden Gopher Soccer, Gaffney looked back at some of the memories she made during her time playing at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium.
Gopher Sports: Why did you choose the University of Minnesota?
Maddie Gaffney: "Two words: The People. The Gopher soccer program has been, and is continually bringing in some of the best people. From the teammates, to the coaching staff, to the support staff who help in big and small ways. When you choose Minnesota, you're choosing to be surrounded by good people, who believe in you and the team."
GS: What was your favorite moment as a Gopher?
MG: "It's so hard to define a single favorite moment that I had as a Gopher. There were so many little moments on the field, in the locker room, on the bus, in the airports, and in our apartments that made being a Gopher soccer player so unique and such a great experience."
"If I had to choose a single moment, it would be when we headed out east to play at Maryland, Penn State, and Rutgers. Those were always such big and challenging games, where we experienced successes, as well as losses. However, it did give me the opportunity to play in front of 15+ of my extended family members who have never been able to see the results of all of the work that I have been putting into soccer since my youth."
GS: As a kid from Minnesota, what was it like to play for your home state?
MG: "It was surreal. I grew up coming to Gopher games with my family and friends, watching from the stands a level that I only dreamed I would be able to play at someday. Little did 12 year old me know that I would get the opportunity to play for the Gopher soccer program, let alone help them win two big ten titles and have two NCAA appearances. I have so much pride and love for Minnesota, so being able to represent my home state was an incredible opportunity. Nothing beats living out the dreams you had as a 12 year old girl, while being supported by the entire state of Minnesota."
GS: You were a part of the team that won the 2016 Big Ten Tournament and regular season. What did it take to achieve that?
MG: "It took years to create the success that we had in 2016. We were able to achieve that through the ones that came before us.. the ones that paved the way, set the culture and expectations, the ones before us who made Gopher soccer the very competitive, gritty, high standard program it was back in 2016 and the one it is today. We were a group of very different people, with very different personalities, that all were hungry. We believed. We were all eager to learn, eager to succeed, eager to put in the work, stay disciplined, and compete to prove to everyone else what we already knew and believed, that Minnesota is a program that can and will compete with everyone."
GS: How has the Gopher soccer program impacted your life post college? Post soccer?
MG: "The Gopher soccer program has given me some of my best friends! Post college, we are continuing to support and be a part of so many of each other's big life events. You go through so much as college teammates, that develops a bond that is very different than all other friendships you make over the course of your life. There is absolutely nothing better than being able to see your teammates genuinely happy and thriving in their chapters beyond college and sports."
"Gopher soccer has also instilled a competitiveness, a discipline, and a work ethic that carries over into my personal and professional life. Gopher soccer has taught me to show up, even when you don't want to, and to give everything that I possibly have that day and then a little more. I am a better employee and person than I would have been if I didn't go through the Gopher Soccer program."
GS: You spent a few years at South Dakota as an assistant and associate head coach. What aspects of the Gopher soccer program did you apply to your time there?
MG: "The biggest things I carried over as a coach, was re-emphasizing what the head coach already wanted, competitiveness, grittiness, and belief in themselves and the team. I was fortunate to have been able to lead team building and individual developmental activities to help improve the teams belief in themselves and each other, togetherness, and mental toughness. I was able to use and shape some of the various activities that I did as a player at Minnesota and create my own activities that fit within what USD needed in various points of my career there."
GS: As an alumni, what has it been like to watch the soccer program grow over the years?
MG: "It's been so cool to see different generations come in. I absolutely love seeing fellow Minnesotan's being able to step into big roles to help contribute to the Gopher's various successes. As a former club coach in Minnesota, it is SO exciting being able to see players that I coached when they were 12-17 years old wearing that Minnesota jersey."
GS: Do you have a message for the current Gophers that are following in your footsteps?
MG: "Believe in the process, yourself, your teammates, and your coaches. You have a lot of people supporting you and giving you the tools to help you grow and be successful on and off the field. Use and take advantage of all of the opportunities you have at your fingertips! It is truly a once and a lifetime experience, and something many people don't get to have."
"Your goal should always be to leave the team in a better place than it was when you first came into the program. If you want to find individual or team success, be willing to do the hard things that make you feel uncomfortable. Great things are never accomplished when you are inside your comfort zone. Success can not be done alone, so the more people you can bring along with you, the better the program will be."