LEXINGTON, Va. — Washington and Lee University has announced the hiring of Madison Neuner as an assistant coach for the men's and women's cross country and track programs.
Neuner joins the Generals after serving as an assistant coach for the men's and women's cross country and track programs at American University. Working primarily with distance athletes, Neuner assisted with practice planning, athlete development, recruiting, meet preparation and competition management while serving as the program's primary steeplechase instructor.
At Washington and Lee, Neuner will work closely with the Generals' middle-distance and distance athletes during the track season and will provide specialized instruction for the program's steeplechase competitors.
"We are excited to welcome Madison to our program," said Women's Cross Country Head Coach Mike Dager. "Madison's accomplishments as a coach and success as a student-athlete were incredibly impressive, but it was their involvement in supporting student-athlete well-being and experience balancing life as a student-athlete in a rigorous academic environment that really set them apart. Our student-athletes will benefit greatly from Madison's mentorship."
During the 2025 cross country season at American, Neuner helped guide the men's program to a third-place finish at the Patriot League Championships, the team's highest conference finish since 2013. On the women's side, American produced its first All-Patriot League performer since 2021 and the program's first Patriot League Cross Country Rookie of the Year. Neuner also assisted with recruiting efforts, with a primary focus on prospective student-athletes from New York.
In addition to coaching responsibilities, Neuner worked within American University's athletics communications office, writing feature stories, previews, recaps and recruiting materials while supporting the department's digital and social media efforts.
A native of Liverpool, N.Y., Neuner brings extensive experience as both a high-level collegiate and post-collegiate athlete. Most recently, Neuner qualified for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in the 3,000-meter steeplechase after winning the event at the Portland Track Festival in a personal-best time of 9:48.82.
Neuner competed collegiately at Northeastern University before completing graduate studies and competition at Syracuse University. At Northeastern, Neuner captured the 2023 Colonial Athletic Association championship in the 3,000-meter steeplechase and qualified for the NCAA East First Round Championships. Following the graduate seasons in Syracuse, Neuner again qualified for the NCAA East First Round and earned First Team All-ACC honors in the steeplechase after a runner-up finish at the conference championship meet.
Cross country accomplishments included USTFCCCA All-Northeast Region honors and a 19th-place finish at the NCAA Northeast Regional Championship in 2023. Neuner also ranks among Northeastern's all-time leaders, standing eighth in program history in both the 5K and 6K cross country records and fifth on the program's outdoor performance list in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.
"Madison has benefited from outstanding leadership under Coach Sean Graham while on staff at American University," said Men's Cross Country Head Coach Brandon Spalding. "The search committee was impressed by Madison's unique experiences as a successful student-athlete, an Olympic Trials qualifier in the steeplechase, and their demonstrated ability to contribute to all facets of both the men's and women's teams at W&L. These qualities made Madison a strong hire for our programs."
Neuner earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Communication Studies from Northeastern University in 2023 and a Master of Arts degree in Magazine, News and Digital Journalism from Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications in 2024.
Academic distinctions include USTFCCCA Academic All-America honors, selection to the All-ACC Academic Team, recognition on the CAA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll and receipt of Syracuse University's Newhouse School Master's Prize and David Rubin First Amendment Prize.
"I am thrilled to be joining the cross country and track and field staff at Washington and Lee," said Neuner. "The program's tradition of excellence extends both on and off the track, with sustained success at the conference and national levels. It is a place where I believe I can continue to grow as a coach while contributing to an already outstanding program. I look forward to bringing my experiences as both a coach and athlete to the team and helping our student-athletes pursue and achieve their goals."
Nestled in the mountains of Virginia, Washington and Lee University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Founded in 1749, W&L is the ninth-oldest college in the United States and a top-ranked liberal arts university. With over 500 student-athletes in 24 varsity sports, the Generals have celebrated over 265 conference championships. Learn more about the Blue and White by visiting www.generalssports.com or on social media at @WLUGenerals.
