Athlete of the Week: Madge Tan

Some may know her for her lively laugh, exuberant personality or passion for enriching the Exeter community; but her opponents on the squash court know Madeleine Tan as a determined, unstoppable force that few can handle.Madeleine, better known as Madge or Mags by her friends, first began squash when she was signed up for lessons in the fourth grade. After dipping her toe in the sport for half a year, Tan’s coach moved away and she rarely touched a racket until coming to Exeter, where not only her talent and leadership skills flourished, but also her amiable character.“Madge is a leader, a friend and a coach all in one. She is always offering support to the team and is free to give advice and extra hitting time,” senior and member of the squash team Ariadne Spahr said. “She is a great motivator, and in her years as captain there has been an increase in the intensity and focus within the team. She has become an inspiration to the younger girls, and to me quite frequently, as well.”After two years on the team, Tan’s prowess on the courts and prominence among the team destined her to be a captain for not one, but two years.“Madge is one of the most dedicated athletes I know,” co-captain Elle MacAlpine said. “Whether she was trying to move up the JV ladder as a prep, or just secure her almost-guaranteed position at the top of the varsity ladder, she has trained with such a passion for the sport that few others on the team have demonstrated.”MacAlpine continued, noting Tan’s qualities as a leader. “Madge’s work ethic, willingness to help others improve and love for the sport have led this team through two great seasons,” MacAlpine said. “She also does a great job of fostering team-spirit. It's technically an individual sport, so it's not unusual for those at the top of the ladder to forget about those at the bottom and just focus on their own games, but you never see that with Madge. She is constantly talking to our coaches and me about ways to boost team morale and enthusiasm, and she will do anything to help them improve.”Prep Kate Haering, who joined the team this year, spoke of how Tan made her feel like a part of the time right away. “The first thing I noticed is that she learns your name right away, which takes time and effort to do,” Haering said. “Also, Madge is always upbeat and encouraging with everything she does. She made me like feel more of a part of the team in the beginning of the term because she was so inclusive.”Lower Alix Hunter, a member of girls’ varsity squash, said, “Madge is a crucial part of our team. She truly cares about every single person on our team. She has been a captain for the years I have played so far and I cannot imagine not playing with her next year.”Frederic Brussels, The boys’ and girls’ varsity squash coach, also commented on Tan’s compassionate disposition. “She has always been willing to help others improve their game. She leads by example as a hard worker. Because of this, everyone around her gets better and believes that the team should win every match they play,” he said.Although Madge does not mess around on the court, her humor, merriment and good judgement boosts the spirits of everyone around, dorm and teammates.“Madge is not just all business. She has a fantastic sense of humor and I love just being around her,” MacAlpine said. “She is one of the most genuinely kind and funny people I know.”Senior Genevieve Medina, who lives in Bancroft with Madge, shared a similar attitude.“Madge's cheerful presence in the dorm is contagious. She leads by example with her diligence, togetherness and optimism while being remarkably attentive to each girl in the dorm,” she said.”Squash coach Paul Langford agreed. “She stands out for how genial and supportive she is all members of both teams. Her wit and good cheer lighten the mood without distracting anyone from the hard work of practice and competition,” he said.In addition to being the squash captain, Tan is a proctor in her dorm, a student listener and a member of the discipline committee, all positions that outline her positive reputation throughout campus.“I chose to run for DC because I wanted the opportunity to help affect change within the Exeter community, and because I thought it would be a really interesting and meaningful experience to interact with faculty and fellow students in such a different setting,” Tan said. “I became a student listener because I think it is a really awesome network and support system in the dorm, and I wanted to be a proctor for similar reasons since I love and care about all of the girls in the dorm, and want to be there to support them.”Madge’s caring nature truly does come across through her interactions with fellow Exonians. “Even outside of the team, Madge is a wonderful friend and has helped me sort through tough situations by lending an ear and offering thoughtful advice,” Spahr said. “During our four years on the team, we have become very good friends and she has made the game more enjoyable and practices a highlight of my day.”Lower Preeya Sheth continued, “Whenever you see Madge, she’ll always greet you with a smile on her face, she’s a genuinely sweet person. As a proctor you can really tell she cares about us. She’s always there for us when we have a problem, whether it be school, boys or family stuff. Her door is always open and she really listens to each girl with an open heart and sincere sympathy. My life at Exeter wouldn’t be the same without Madge as a friend, proctor and student listener.”