By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

SALEM, Ore.–  2017 Western Christian-grad Madison Hull was part of some successful Pioneer squads over her four-years in the program.  Finishing second twice, third once and won State her sophomore year in 2015.  The graduate points towards some great players like Jenna Christensen and Emily Nye that she played with that set records there and Hull hopes that one day to get the program back to that point as she embarks on her first season as Head Coach of the Girls Basketball program.

“It’ll be fun getting it back to where it used to be when I was here and the experience that I had here,” Hull said.  “Ultimately I just want to teach fundamentals and hopefully the rest will do where we’re playing at an elite level.”

Following her four years at Western Mennonite, what Western Christian used to be called back until the starting of the 2018-2019 school year when they made the school name change, Hull spend two years at George Fox University in Newberg before transferring to The Master’s where she finished off her playing career during the 2020-2021 season.  Returning back to Salem, Hull returned to her Alma Mater last season and was picking the brain of her legendary coach and father Gary before taking this opportunity.

The elder Hull has had an impact on the younger Hull’s life as she takes her turn at the helm of her own program.  Running a lot of the same things that Gary runs in his practices and incorporating it  into her own practice plans.

“I go wherever my dad goes, so I’ve been doing it since I was young, it’s been in my blood I guess and is something I’m used to,” smiles the younger Hull.  “I’m running everything he runs in practice.  I’ve been listening to him since…he’s coached me since I was in the third, fourth, fifth-grade.”

Working on lay-ins and working on dribbling with two balls across the court.  Gary overlooking his daughter at work on the stands above the court in what’s known as ‘The Barn’ on campus.  Just observing as a passing fan would after wrapping up his first day of practice with the Boys Team prior to the start of the girls practice.  Both teams closing in on the start of the season and their trip to Junction City for a jamboree on November 30 before starting the season December 6 at East Linn Christian Academy.

And as the first day of practice continued on, Hull is just excited for the opportunity she had been given.

“It’s great to be back here, it’s fun.  Most of these girls grew up watching me and it’s kind of fun coming back and coach them,”  Hull said.  

The Pioneer Girls first home game won’t be until December 12 when they host North Douglas.

Photos By Jeremy McDonald