“Sometimes adversity is just one step back to take three big steps forward.” – Madeline Wilson

From the outside, Madeline Wilson’s story looks impossible: diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma at just 14, relapsing two years later, and still going on to play Division I volleyball—and win two conference championships with Wofford College.
​But as you'll hear in this episode of Challenger Deep: Athletes Rising Above Adversity, Mad’s story isn’t about surviving cancer. It’s about choosing to dream anyway, showing up in the face of uncertainty, and becoming a leader through vulnerability and grit.

Madelyn Wilson’s volleyball story began like many young athletes: driven by passion and dreams of competing at the highest level. By age 10, she was already playing competitive club volleyball, showing the kind of drive and discipline needed to reach the next level. But everything changed at age 14 when she was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The diagnosis came at a critical time in her athletic development and could have easily ended her dream of playing Division I volleyball.

​Instead, it became the beginning of a different journey. After months of intensive treatment, she returned to the sport she loved, only to face a heartbreaking relapse at age 16. In the world of youth sports, where recruiting timelines are unforgiving, this seemed like the end. But Madelyn made a pivotal decision: to reclassify in high school, giving herself one more shot to get back on the radar of college scouts. Her story is a powerful testament to the idea that with enough resilience, a dream doesn’t have to die—it can simply take a detour.

One of the most important lessons Madelyn shares is about the danger of "toxic positivity."—the belief that you have to stay upbeat no matter how dark things get. During her first treatment, she tried to power through with a smile on her face, convincing herself everything was "fine." But internally, she was struggling. By the time she relapsed, she had learned a better way.

Madelyn now embraces what she calls "sitting with the hard stuff"—acknowledging the pain, grief, and fear that come with real adversity. But instead of getting stuck in it, she uses those emotions as a springboard. Her mindset became more realistic and more resilient: Yes, this is hard. Yes, this hurts. But I will get through it.

This lesson is powerful for athletes, coaches, and anyone navigating mental health challenges. It's not about ignoring adversity; it's about learning to face it productively. Madelyn's approach reflects principles taught in sports psychology and mental toughness training, and it's what allowed her to stay mentally strong through both cancer and collegiate competition.

Joining Wofford meant joining a team often overlooked in preseason rankings. But for Madelyn, being the underdog was familiar territory. After years of battling cancer, being underestimated on the court was nothing new. She channeled that underdog mentality into leadership and team culture, helping the Wofford Terriers go on to win back-to-back conference championships.

Madelyn shares how her presence brought perspective to her team. Her story of perseverance became a source of strength for others. She recalls hugging her coach after their first championship and saying, "This was for you" – a tribute to their shared journey through personal and team adversity. In her senior year, after graduating six seniors, the odds were once again against them. And once again, they proved everyone wrong.

​Her story reminds athletes everywhere that championships aren't just won on talent. They're won with heart, grit, and the belief that no ranking can define your outcome. This is the kind of leadership every team needs.

Today, Madelyn is a psychology major exploring how she can help others navigate trauma, anxiety, and mental health. Inspired by her own struggles and victories, she's considering a future in sports psychology or clinical counseling, helping others build the resilience that carried her through the hardest seasons of her life.

She also reflects on a turning point in her journey—supporting her head coach, whose son was diagnosed with cancer. This painful parallel deepened their bond and helped Madelyn realize that her presence at Wofford was no accident. She wasn’t just there to play volleyball; she was there to make a difference.

​Madelyn’s story is about more than survival. It’s about transformation, perspective, and becoming the kind of person who turns adversity into impact. For athletes, coaches, and parents, it’s a powerful reminder that the journey matters just as much as the outcome—and that purpose can be born in the fire.

This episode is sponsored by dōTERRA — the global leader in essential oils and natural wellness solutions. As a listener of the Challenger Deep podcast, you can unlock 25% off all dōTERRA products and supplements.

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Check out Episode 2 of The Challenger Deep: Athletes Rising Above Adversity Podcast:
Setting Big Goals & Crushing Them: Tanner McLachlan's Path to the NFL
The Mindset of a World Champion: Josh Frost 2024 World Champion Bull Rider
​Lessons in Leadership and Overcoming Adversity: Heather Gage
Overcoming Obstacles with Strength and Determination: Caity Patterson
Faith, Adversity & Mental Toughness: Daniel Dickerson
The Journey from Athlete to Mentor: Pat O'Malley​
​Sherry Winn: Champion Mindset & Overcoming Adversity
The Path for Coaches: Mentorship