TACOMA, Wash. — It's rare to find a two-sport athlete at the collegiate level. It's even rarer to be a two-sport athlete competing in two sports in the same season but that's exactly what Pacific Lutheran University's Madison Hull did this fall semester.
 
Hull is a member of the seven-time Northwest Conference Champion women's soccer team while also competing for the women's golf squad. This fall, the sophomore suited up for the soccer squad during their championship run in addition to squeezing in a tournament with the women's golf team, placing 28th at the PLU Invitational at The Home Course on Sept. 25th & 26th.
 
The Gig Harbor, Washington native didn't originally plan on playing two sports, let alone two at the same time. A midfielder on the soccer pitch, Hull originally committed to PLU to just play soccer. 
 
"While Pacific Lutheran is well known for its academics, I chose to attend PLU to be part of the women's soccer program. It's well respected with an impressive reputation, great team culture, and obviously a phenomenal record," said Hull. 
 
However, during her first year at PLU, Hull was presented with an opportunity that many student-athletes don't consider possible— adding in another sport.
 
"Right before the start of the golf season, one of the players sustained an unfortunate injury, so the team was in need of a player. Tyler Copp, the head golf coach, was covering the women's soccer weightlifting session and asked if anyone had golf experience. That's how we became acquainted. I had played golf in high school, placing third at State my senior year and competed in local WJGA tournaments, so I thought it would be a fun experience to try at the college level."
 
This was a big decision for Hull to make and she wanted to check in with Head Women's Soccer Coach Seth Spidahl to see how he felt about her taking on golf in addition to soccer.
 
"PLU's women's soccer program requires a lot of hard work and commitment. It has a reputation for being the best and naturally that is reflected in the work put in at practices, lifting, film sessions and team building. Coach Spidahl was very supportive when I brought up the idea of playing golf with the understanding that it didn't interfere with our process as a team, which I have tried very hard to accomplish," said Hull.
 
Now, with the support of her coach behind her decision, Hull now has to face the challenges of balancing athletics, academics, and her social life.
 
"In high school, I participated in multiple sports simultaneously on numerous occasions so I'm accustomed to the balancing act. Both my soccer and golf coaches support my endeavors and have been very understanding of my busy schedule. Generally, my social life revolves around my teammates, who are some of my closest friends and I'm thankful sports have given me the opportunity to get to know them."
 
After finding the balance between all of her life's commitments, Hull's days become a nonstop relay between classes and sports.
 
"During the spring season, both sports are practicing and golf is competing. My mornings start with weights, I'll try to squeeze in a quick breakfast before heading off to classes until mid afternoon. After classes, I'll go back to my room, grab my clubs, and head to the golf course. Once there, I'll spend an hour or two at the driving range or on the golf course. Once I'm back on campus, I get ready for soccer practice. After soccer practice, I'll get dinner and then start working on homework."
 
Despite the difficulty of playing two collegiate sports, Hull enjoys the challenges and the benefits that come with it.
 
"It can be challenging balancing two different sports and team dynamics, however I'm so grateful that I get the opportunity to participate in both."