WVU staff member and former Pitt student-athlete will cheer for Mountaineers in ‘Backyard Brawl’
Madison Clayton, WVU Mountaineer Athletic Club director of donor relations and communications and former Pitt soccer player, embraces her Mountaineer pride as WVU prepares to face Pitt in the storied “Backyard Brawl.” (Submitted Photo)
Though she used to be one, the West Virginia University Mountaineer Athletic Club director of donor relations and communications says she will have no problem rooting against the Pitt Panthers in the “Backyard Brawl.”
“I realized how much I care about WVU beating Pitt when I was at my first ‘Backyard Brawl’ and Pitt scored right at the end,” Madison Clayton said. “My jaw was on the floor and my hands were on my head because I was so upset. That’s when I knew WVU was my team now.”
Coming to WVU to join the MAC in 2022 was a full-circle moment for Clayton.
Growing up just north of Morgantown in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, she was surrounded by Mountaineer fans. She traveled to Morgantown often and built a foundation in soccer during WVU Women’s Soccer camps.
Madison Clayton grew up a Mountaineer fan, and regularly attended games and soccer camps on campus. (Submitted Photo)
Most of her family members were Mountaineer fans, but she watched plenty of Pitt games as well.
“I was exposed to Pitt Athletics because of my dad,” she said. “Even though we were closer to WVU, he thought that since we were from Pennsylvania, we should root for Pitt.”
When it came time for college, Clayton couldn’t turn down the opportunity to play soccer while earning a degree at an in-state school. That’s when she became a Pitt Panther, joining the soccer team as a red-shirt freshman.
“Pitt will always have a very special place in my heart, as well as everyone there who helped me as a student-athlete, and those in the Pitt Athletics department who taught me great skills and gave me internships,” she said.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in communications, Clayton continued her academic and soccer careers at Ohio University, finding a passion for donor relations and earning a master’s degree in sports administration.
Clayton was soon hired at WVU as assistant director of development relations and special events.
Madison Clayton meets with donors during a dinner hosted at Milan Puskar Stadium. (WVU Photo)
“I’ve loved every second of being here,” she said. “Pitt’s campus is integrated into the city of Pittsburgh, so at WVU, I get to see a more traditional college campus. It’s a different feeling and a cool atmosphere to be in. I love living in Morgantown and working at the MAC. I’m very fortunate to get up every day and feel excited to work with everyone.”
Since Clayton joined the MAC, she has seen many changes — including the arrivals of Wren Baker, vice president and director of WVU Athletics, and Ross Hodge, men’s basketball head coach, along with the return of Rich Rodriguez to lead the Mountaineer football team.
Over the past three years, she was quickly promoted to associate director of development and then to her current position, where she works one-on-one with the generous donors that make games like the “Backyard Brawl” happen.
“Our donors are crucial,” she said. “As a student-athlete, I didn’t realize the jersey on my back and the cleats I was wearing every day were possible because of donors. They are passionate about helping student-athletes be successful both on and off the field.”
Though she’s a Mountaineer now, her dad still roots for Pitt, creating a bit of a family rivalry. However, Clayton says she appreciates the competitive spirit between the two universities.
Madison Clayton meets with donors and fans about supporting WVU Athletics. (WVU Photo)
“Being a former athlete, I can say each game is a big game. However, there are ones that give you a little bit more of a chip on your shoulder that week compared to others,” she said.
“You’re doing it for the fans to prove that you can beat your rival. Even though the schools don’t get along, this game creates a community. Everyone is coming together to cheer for their team and have fun at the game. I’ve never seen an atmosphere like the one at the ‘Backyard Brawl.’”
Find more information about the Mountaineer Athletic Club.
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