(Editor’s note: MSUB Athletics release)
BILLINGS – Madisan Chavez was announced as the first-ever Yellowjacket women’s triathlete by the Montana State University Billings department of athletics on Monday.
Chavez is the founding member of the Yellowjackets’ newest sport, which was introduced last September and will begin competition in the fall of 2019. “I am thrilled to introduce Madisan as MSUB’s first triathlon student-athlete,” said head coach Kevin Bjerke. “Since committing to the program, she has shown an immediate eagerness to begin the tedious base building for the coming season.”
Chavez has a well-rounded resume from her time at Hardin High School, as well as collegiate experience with one year of basketball at Sheridan College under her belt. A native of Crow Agency, Chavez participated in four sports during her career with the Bulldogs.
“I am brand new to the sport of triathlon, but I know with perseverance and my family there to support me, I will have success in all that I put my mind to,” Chavez said.
In cross country, Chavez led her team to the 2016-17 Class A title, and finished in fifth place as an individual. She also helped the team to a third-place finish in 2015-16, and was team captain for two years. In tennis, Chavez was an all-state selection and was her team’s most valuable player for two years. Her highest finish at state was second place in singles, during the 2015-16 year.
On the hardwood, Chavez was a four-time academic all-state pick and also earned all-state honors. She helped Hardin to a runner-up finish in 2016-17, and was named to the all-tournament team. Chavez also earned one letter in volleyball during her prep career.
“Madisan’s well-rounded athletic ability from the pool, tennis, and basketball courts, and exceptional cross-country and track career make her a prime candidate for our new program,” said Bjerke. “I am excited to begin working with her this fall.”
Upon completion of her prep career, Chavez played in 26 games for the Generals women’s basketball team during the 2017-18 campaign. She averaged 2.9 points in 2.2 minutes per game, while shooting 35.6 percent overall and 25.6 percent from 3-point range. Chavez’s top basketball game was an 18-point effort on Dec. 15, 2017, as she went 8-for-14 from the field in a 120-25 win over Little Big Horn College.
Chavez enters MSUB’s program with four full years of triathlon eligibility, and will compete athletically as a freshman starting in the fall of 2019. She plans to major in environmental studies and has aspirations to pursue a career as an environmental scientist.
MSUB announced its six-meet 2019-20 triathlon schedule on June 6, and will begin competition on Aug. 31 at the Southern Hills Triathlon in Hot Springs, South Dakota.
