There’s a buzz in the air at Murray State University, and for good reason. The Racers women’s athletics programs are making headlines as the holiday season approaches, with a new head coach at the helm of women’s soccer and a standout junior guard leading the basketball team to consecutive victories. Both stories point to a program on the rise, brimming with optimism and talent as they head into the new year.
On December 23, 2025, Murray State officially named Ben Madsen as the fifth head coach in the history of its women’s soccer program. The announcement, made by the university’s athletics department, marks a significant shift for the Racers, who are looking to build on an already solid foundation. Madsen, a native of Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin, brings a wealth of experience and a defensive pedigree honed over 14 seasons at Auburn University, where he helped guide the Tigers to eight NCAA Tournament appearances, including memorable runs to the Sweet 16 and Elite 8.
Director of Athletics Nico Yantko expressed his enthusiasm for the new hire, stating, "Coach Ben Madsen made a strong impression on us throughout the interview process, and his ability to evaluate and develop talent, relentlessly recruit and build positive relationships is why we have chosen him to lead the Racer soccer program." Yantko continued, "He boasts a winning pedigree that includes deep postseason runs, and he has coached numerous All-Conference and All-American performers. We are thrilled to welcome Coach Madsen, his wife Ann, and their children Maggie and Beckett, to the Racer Family."
Madsen’s contract is pending approval by the Murray State Board of Regents and a formal background check, but the excitement surrounding his arrival is palpable. University President Dr. Ron Patterson echoed the sentiment, remarking, "This is an exciting time for Racer soccer, and I want to extend a warm welcome from everyone at Murray State University to head coach Ben Madsen and his family. His experience around the game of soccer and his strong resume are both extremely impressive, and we are excited to watch him elevate our program to new heights."
What makes Madsen’s resume stand out? During his tenure at Auburn, his defensive units consistently ranked in the top half of the SEC in both goals against average and shutout percentage. From 2020 to 2024, Auburn’s defense, under Madsen’s direction, held opponents to under 25 goals per year, including three seasons with 20 or fewer goals allowed. The Tigers boasted a remarkable .992 Goals Against Average during that stretch. Five of the top ten goals against averages and shutout totals in program history were achieved with Madsen on the sidelines.
He’s no stranger to developing top-tier talent, either. Madsen coached 16 All-SEC selections, including five first team honorees. Notably, he mentored two-time All-American Kala Faulkner (2014 and 2015) and SEC Defender of the Year and Second Team All-American Alyssa Malonson (2021). Goalkeeper Maddie Prohaska, another of Madsen’s protégés, set the Auburn program standard with 36 career shutouts before signing a professional contract with the NWSL's Seattle Reign.
Madsen’s coaching journey began at Lincoln College, where he trained the 2002 Collegiate Conference of Central Illinois First Team All-Conference goalkeeper. He then moved on to Alabama-Huntsville, recruiting the 2004 Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Year. His next stop was the University of South Alabama, where he spent four seasons and helped the team to four Sun Belt Conference tournament appearances, finishing as conference runner-up in 2005. At Iowa State, Madsen’s recruiting prowess was on full display: his 2010 freshman class scored every goal in Big 12 conference play and accounted for 92 percent of the team’s points, while goalkeeper Maddie Jobe earned two Big 12 Player of the Week awards under his guidance.
Madsen holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Lincoln Memorial University, where he played from 1998 to 2001. He also carries a NSCAA Advanced National Diploma and a NSCAA National Goalkeeper Diploma. Off the field, Madsen is joined by his wife Ann and their two children, Maggie and Beckett, as they embrace the Racer community.
"I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to be the next head coach of Murray State women's soccer and am thrilled for my family to be part of Racer Nation," Madsen said. "I want to thank Director of Athletics Nico Yantko, University President Dr. Ron Patterson, and everyone involved with this process for putting their faith in me to lead our soccer program. There is a great foundation built for this program, and I am excited to get to work with our student-athletes and implement our plan to compete for and win championships in the Missouri Valley Conference."
As the soccer program ushers in new leadership, the women’s basketball squad is making waves of its own. Junior guard Haven Ford, a Morehead, Kentucky native and Rowan County High School alum, has been a force on the court. Ford was named Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Player of the Week on December 23, 2025, following a pair of dominant performances that powered the Racers to two decisive victories. She averaged 18.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 3 steals per game over the past week, showcasing her all-around game and leadership.
Ford came tantalizingly close to a triple-double in Murray State’s 85-57 victory over Memphis, finishing with 14 points, eight rebounds, and a season-high eight assists. Just one assist shy of reaching double figures in three major categories, Ford’s performance set the tone for the Racers’ continued success. She followed up with a game-high 23 points in a 101-44 rout of Lindsey Wilson, connecting on a season-high eight field goals, including four three-pointers. She also contributed five assists, three rebounds, and a steal, capping off a stellar week.
The Racers enter the holiday break riding a league-best seven-game winning streak and a 9-2 overall record, leading The Valley conference. Their home dominance is clear, boasting a perfect 4-0 record at CFSB Center as of December 23, 2025. Offensively, Murray State leads the conference in scoring, averaging 82.3 points per game—an impressive mark that ranks them 22nd nationally. Their 101-point outburst against Lindsey Wilson was only the third time this season an MVC program has eclipsed the century mark, underlining their offensive firepower.
Looking ahead, the Racers are poised to keep the momentum rolling as conference play begins on Monday, December 29th at Evansville. Tip-off from Meeks Family Fieldhouse is set for 6 p.m., and all eyes will be on Ford and her teammates as they look to extend their winning streak and solidify their position atop the standings.
Whether it’s a new era for women’s soccer or a basketball team firing on all cylinders, Murray State’s women’s athletics are setting the pace as the calendar turns. With Ben Madsen’s arrival and Haven Ford’s standout play, Racer fans have plenty to cheer about—and even more to look forward to in the coming months.
