Senior Spotlight: Madisyn Kittell

Outgoing. Honest. Hilarious. Loyal. 

Those are just a few of the adjectives that came to the members of Florida lacrosse when they were asked to describe senior attacker Madisyn Kittell. 

Loyal

The loyalty that Madisyn didn’t originate organically – it stems throughout her entire family. 

Whether it be having had her twin Kenzii alongside her in the Orange & Blue these past four years or having her parents in the stands at almost every game – she understands loyalty. 

As for having her parents, David and Christine, in the stands for almost every game, Madisyn knew that was a luxury that few were able to have, making her forever grateful for the loyalty they showed her and the entire Florida lacrosse team. 

Honest

Madisyn is not afraid to be 100% open and honest with those around her.

Two of her teammates – and closest friends – Kassidy Bresnahan and Eddy Shoop believe that trait is not only what helped her be a great friend and individual off the field, but also a strong leader on the field. 

“I can always rely on her to tell me the truth and that’s what makes her such a good friend,” said Shoop. “She has my back with anything and everything. I look up to her because she lives on her own terms, no matter what.” 

Madisyn believes Florida lacrosse is a family and she wanted to ensure that that family was living up to the Gator Standard each and every single day, especially when it came to effort on the field. 

Madisyn understood that as a senior leader, it was her duty to serve as the teammate who was there whenever anyone needed support or guidance. 

She did just that through her open and honest communication. 

Outgoing & Hilarious 

Though she takes her role as a leader seriously, she is also always the first one to crack a joke or witty remark. Her ability to always make those around her laugh created a sense of comfort and home for Bresnahan. 

“Mads has been such a great friend to have,” said Bresnahan. “She and Kenzii have become like my sisters and have made the time away from my family so much easier. Mads and I are constantly laughing with each other.”

Madisyn is not afraid of anything – on or off the field – and her outgoing spirit makes her incredibly unique according to Shoop. 

What allowed Madisyn to be so true to herself while at Florida? A piece of advice that she heard early on in her career. 

“The best piece of advice I’ve received while as a Gator was to enjoy the moment while you’re in it. Not to take this opportunity for granted and not to wish it away.”

She was told that being at Florida would be the best four years of her life.

“Boy, were they right,” said Madisyn. 

On the final day the 2020 squad was together in the same room, each senior was able to share a message with the underclassmen. 

Madisyn’s message was the same one she had received in her freshman season. Don’t take your time as a Gator for granted and enjoy every minute you have at Florida. 

No one was expecting the 2020 season to end the way it did, but instead of letting it keep her down, Madisyn has decided to take it in stride. 

Sure, she was disappointed that she wouldn’t have a proper senior night, that she couldn’t finish out her lacrosse career and that she wouldn’t be surrounded by her teammates who had become like sisters. But, she certainly won’t forget the time she spent in the Orange & Blue.

Her favorite on the field memory from the last four years? An overtime win against Loyola during her sophomore season. 

When asked about the game, she doesn’t mention that she scored the game-tying goal with just over a minute left to play. She only mentions the entire team effort – what being a Florida lacrosse player is all about. 

“The excitement and resilience that the team showed during the 63 minutes of that game was truly inspiring. It is something I will never forget.”

She will always have the countless memories she made, the incredible bonds of friendship.  Most importantly, she will always remember what it meant to her to be a Gator.