Madi Coutts, University of Dallas, Softball - Character & Community

Madi Coutts, University of Dallas, Softball - Character & Community

MADI COUTTS OF UNIVERSITY OF DALLAS, a senior catcher on the softball team from Tampa, Fla., has been selected the SCAC Character & Community Female Student-Athlete of the Week for the week beginning March 21.

The SCAC Character & Community award honors the efforts of student-athletes who excel in the field of athletics, and also serve their campus and community.



Coutts has seen much in her four years as a Crusader. Through coaching changes, COVID, and a full slate of bio and pre-med courses, she had made her home at UD.

Realizing her dream of playing college softball was something that was always important to her, but her goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon meant she needed a strong academic school as well. “UD’s strong academics was something that was very important to me in deciding to come here. The bio program is fantastic, and on top of that I really enjoy how small the school is,” said Coutts. “It really feels like you’re part of a community and you can get to know everyone.”

Typically, establishing a team culture is a large part of being a college coach. But with three different head coaches in her four years as a Crusader, Madi and the other upperclassmen took it upon themselves to create their softball family.

“It can be really tough as a college athlete dealing with coaching changes, knowing you only have so much time out there. Me and the other seniors in my class wanted to bring the team together in any way we could. COVID added to that challenge, with my sophomore year being canceled completely, but we stuck with it and worked hard to stay connected, stay supportive of each other, and stay positive."

In the offseason, Coutts has found the time to make her own little community outside of UD, being an assistant coach for a 14U softball team for the last two years. Madi has been able to connect with the girls in such a profound way, that they come with their families to support her at UD’s home games.

“Learning to connect with and coach this age group effectively has been a challenge, but I love it.  We’ve formed our own little family, it’s so cool to see them with their parents at my games. They even come to me with questions about life, completely unrelated to softball, and I’m happy that I can be that kind of coach for them.”

Coutts has some lofty ambitions for after UD; namely going to med school to become an orthopedic surgeon. Though her softball days will be behind her, she will carry with her the experiences she had coaching her family of softball players. “Being involved as a coach with this team has taught me to be a more balanced and well rounded person. I feel like they have prepared me for communicating with patients in my practice, and I will always be thankful for their support.”

Around the SCAC - February 21
February 22, 2022 Around the SCAC - February 21
Around the SCAC - February 14
February 16, 2022 Around the SCAC - February 14
Around the SCAC - February 7
February 9, 2022 Around the SCAC - February 7
Around the SCAC - January 31
February 1, 2022 Around the SCAC - January 31
Around the SCAC - January 24
January 25, 2022 Around the SCAC - January 24
Around the SCAC - January 17
January 19, 2022 Around the SCAC - January 17
Around the SCAC - January 10
January 11, 2022 Around the SCAC - January 10
Around the SCAC - January 3
January 4, 2022 Around the SCAC - January 3
Around the SCAC - December 20
December 21, 2021 Around the SCAC - December 20
Around the SCAC - December 13
December 14, 2021 Around the SCAC - December 13
Around the SCAC - November 29
November 30, 2021 Around the SCAC - November 29
Around the SCAC - November 22
November 23, 2021 Around the SCAC - November 22
Around the SCAC - November 15
November 16, 2021 Around the SCAC - November 15
Around the SCAC - November 1
November 2, 2021 Around the SCAC - November 1