Madeleine Klunder

Class:
Redshirt Sophomore
Position:
D
Height:
5-6
Prev School:
Bishop Ireton High School
Hometown:
Fairfax Station, Va.

2024 (R-So.)

Named to the ASUN All-Conference first team
Two-time ASUN Defensive Player of the Week (March 5, April 2)
Started in all 18 games
Tallied a team and ASUN-leading 50 ground balls and was third on Liberty and in the ASUN with 35 caused turnovers
Ranked No. 22 in the country with 1.94 caused turnovers per game and No. 24 in the country with 2.78 ground balls per game
50 ground balls in a single season ranks the ninth most in program history while 2.78 ground balls per game ranks tenth
Recorded nine games with three or more ground balls
Tallied seven contests with three or more caused turnovers
Totaled a combined seven caused turnovers and ground balls in five games
Secured five ground balls and four caused turnovers in a 14-10 triumph at Lindenwood on April 20
Earned five ground balls and three caused turnovers at Florida on March 27
Included on CUSA Commissioner’s Honor Roll

2023 (R-Fr.)

Started 16 games, played in 17
Included on ASUN Academic Honor Roll
Tallied 20 ground balls, 14 caused turnovers and a draw control
Made Liberty debut on Feb. 18 in a 16-8 loss at Richmond, grabbed a ground ball in debut
Recorded multiple ground balls in six contests including a career-high three ground balls in a 13-7 win at Pitt on March 14
Earned multiple caused turnovers in three games, including a career-high three in a 17-6 loss to Florida on April 12, also had two ground balls against Florida

2022 (Fr.)

Redshirted, did not appear in any games

Prep

Graduate of Bishop Ireton High School
Guided Bishop Ireton to a state semifinal berth as a senior while tallying 22 goals, 12 assists, 34 points, 25 ground balls and 15 caused turnovers as a midfielder and defender
Earned the 2021 Cardinal Award and 2021 Father Ed Rosko Spirit Award
Notched 20 goals, 12 assists, 32 points, 53 ground balls and 14 caused turnovers for a Bishop Ireton squad that won a state title in 2018 and captured WCAC titles in 2018 and 2019 while posting a 38-9 combined record.
Earned March Player of the Month award as a sophomore
Competed at the club level for the VA Metro Lacrosse Club
Also competed in basketball, soccer and cross country at Bishop Ireton
*Note: Did not compete in spring junior season due to COVID-19 pandemic

Personal

Daughter of Matthew and Marylee Klunder
Father, Matthew, was a swimmer at Navy
Brother, Merrick, played lacrosse at Navy
Intends on majoring in public health – health promotion
Birthday is Feb. 15

Student-Athlete Q&A
What made Liberty University the right place for you to attend college/compete at the collegiate level?
I chose Liberty University because of the rigorous academics, competitive atmosphere, and welcoming Christian loving environment.

Is there anything special you do pregame or postgame and why?
I have my pregame stretching routine and meditation time while always re-tying my cleat laces before warm-ups.

Who in your life inspires you and why are they such an inspiration?
My brother, Merrick inspires me because of his tremendous work ethic and positive attitude every day. He has accomplished so much already in his Naval career and heading into flight school with determination, grit, and confidence to achieve greatness. I aspire to take these traits into my own career path and see him as a role model to myself and many other young adults!

What is your most memorable athletic moment/accomplishment?
Beating Jacksonville at their home field for the first time in program history my sophomore year!

If you picked your jersey/uniform number, why is that number important to you?
I wore number 31 in high school so 34 at the time was the closest to it that I could choose.

Do you have any relatives who are playing or have played college or professional sports? (Names, relation to you, what/where they played)?
My father, Matthew Klunder, swam at Navy, my brother, Merrick Klunder, played lacrosse at Navy.

Favorite meal (breakfast/lunch/dinner) and what is that special meal?
My favorite meal is my mom's homemade chicken pot pie.

What is the first app you check on your phone each day?
Instagram

What is your favorite hobby outside of athletics?
I really enjoy drawing.

Who was your favorite athlete growing up?
Aaron Rodgers

What is your favorite possession and why?
My bed, a great bed equals a great sleep which equals a productive day!

What is your Go-To karaoke song?
Don't Stop Believing by Journey.

What is your dream vacation spot and why?
Australia is my dream vacation, so I could swim in the Great Barrier Reef.