Getting to Know...Maddie Bender

Maddie Bender is heading into her senior year at Oklahoma State looking to make it her best year yet, a lifelong Cowgirl intent on finishing her career strong.

Bender collected her first competition win last year with a strong performance against Fresno State, an effort that earned her MOP honors for the week. She also went undefeated at the Big 12 Championships last year with key wins against Baylor and TCU.

What made you want to come to OSU?
I've loved OSU since I can remember. The head wrestling coach, John Smith, is a really close family friend and always told me that this is where I wanted to be. You could say this is my dream university. When Coach (Larry) Sanchez offered me a walk-on spot, I was so excited.

What is your favorite OSU tradition? Why?
Everyone says Homecoming, and I agree that is an awesome tradition. However, I'd say Pistol Pete is my favorite tradition if that counts. I love the history of our mascot and his cute not so little mustache.

What is your favorite competition moment? Why?
I'd have to say when we won the Big 12 Championships my sophomore year. It was an awesome competition. Everyone was on their game, and I felt like all the work the team put in paid off in that moment. That was an amazing group of seniors, and they deserved that win to finish up their careers.

Do you have any pre-match rituals?
I wouldn't say I have any "rituals." I guess I spend a lot of time on my makeup. Or if my sister is there, she does my makeup. She's a makeup guru.

What is your favorite event to compete in? Why?
I showed in the all-around as a youth in the industry. I always loved horsemanship because it was a class that was judged on the connection between the horse and the rider. It gives competitors the opportunity to show a personal "style" in a sense.

What's something interesting about yourself that not that many people know?
I was part of a precision drill team on horseback when I was younger. The group is called "Pikes Peak Rangerettes." Their purpose is to support the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo that donates all its proceeds to local military charities. We basically run around with flags and get to be in parades. And I have a really sweet dog named Cooper.

Did you play any other sports in high school?
Not well at least. I played volleyball for a little bit. I was mainly just the weird horse girl.

What is your proudest sports moment?
I'd have to say my proudest individual moment was last spring when I got my first MOP. I came in as a walk-on and wasn't sure that I'd ever get to compete, let alone win an MOP and compete at nationals. My dad has always told me that hard work pays off, and it does.

What are your favorite professional sports teams?
My family is a bunch of cheeseheads so obviously we are Green Bay Packers fans. My dad is a part owner. It's always a little louder at the house on days when the Packers play.

What are your goals for next year?
I'd have to say my goal is to have a good last year with my class. We are all super close, and I can't believe our time together is coming to a close. They are my best friends. I couldn't imagine the last few years without them. Senior Day will be a tough one.

Oklahoma State University Athletics

Related News

Players Mentioned

Maddie Bender

Related Videos