Maddie with UVM basketball player May Kotsopoulos. When she was young, UVM fans called her "Mini-May."
If there's ever a Mount Rushmore for University of Vermont (UVM) basketball fans, Maddie Ahmadi will be first ballot. She eats, lives and breathes Catamount hoops. These days, she's in the honors program at the University of North Carolina. But while she's physically in Chapel Hill, Maddie's heart remains in the Green Mountain State, rooting on her beloved Catamounts. Maddie took a few moments to discuss her passion.
STADIUM JOURNEY:
So where were you when Sorrentine unforgettably heaved it from "the parking lot" in Worcester twenty years ago? Describe your feelings, memories.
MADDIE AHMADI:
My parents were never going to miss that game, so they brought their 6-month-old daughter along to Worcester. Some babies wear headphones during loud games, but not me. My parents were smart enough to introduce me to the joyous sounds of March Madness at an early age. They like to say that I slept through the entire game. Now, I can sleep through just about anything. I don’t remember Sorrentine’s actual shot, but it is certainly a point of pride that I was there. University of Vermont athletics is truly one of the greatest gifts my parents ever gave me, and I like to think my love of green and gold started back in March 2005.
STADIUM JOURNEY:
How many games, total, men's, women's high school, have you seen at Patrick Gymnasium? If there's a record, I'm guessing that you're near the top. Describe the Patrick Gym experience. Will you be sad to see it finally go?
MADDIE AHMADI:
While I would love to hold that record, I don’t even think I can claim the top spot within my own family. My Dad certainly has me beat. He was the manager of the UVM women’s basketball team while he was a student. Since then, he consistently shows up. That said, I would estimate that I’ve attended roughly 450 games. My Dad has likely attended double that. I know Patrick Gym like the back of my hand – the tunnels, the smells, the atmosphere, and the people who make it so great. Patrick Gym is what you get when you mix energy, passion and community. It’s an electrifying environment complete with the perfect combination of old bleachers and a rarely-accurate shot clock. While I support a new arena for the growth of the program and recruitment purposes, I think the Universe doesn’t want to see the end of Patrick Gym. Until it does, I am content celebrating the joys of UVM basketball in the 1963 high school-esque miracle of a facility.
UVM men's coach John Becker cutting down the nets after another championship.
STADIUM JOURNEY:
Did you spend a lot of time at Gutterson Fieldhouse watching hockey games? What's special about this venue?
MADDIE AHMADI:
I love The Gut. As an Essex High School graduate, I remember watching my friends win plenty of hockey championships. For a long time, we had UVM hockey season tickets. After a while, and as other sports began to take center stage - go soccer! - we slowly attended less hockey games. I love the energy in The Gut, but it does not compare to Patrick Gym, or lately, Virtue Field.
STADIUM JOURNEY:
After practically growing up in Patrick Gym, what's it like watching games in the Dean Dome? Surreal?
MADDIE AHMADI:
I love college basketball, but not for the athleticism or glamour. I love the people and the community that it fosters. While the Dean Dome is special, and the student section is unlike anything, I can’t hear what the players are yelling, or recognize the entire community, like I can at Patrick Gym. To be frank, I often skip UNC games to watch my Cats on ESPN+. Thursday through Sunday is my favorite half of the week.
Maddie doing a UNC student broadcast.
STADIUM JOURNEY:
Has the UNC/Duke rivalry mellowed since Coach K and Coach Williams retired? It sure seems like it, but you're on the ground.
MADDIE AHMADI:
Eh. I still hate Duke. You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone on this campus that can tolerate a Blue Devil. The rivalry is alive and well. Rushing Franklin Street last year will go down as one of my top 10 college experiences. All that’s to say, I despise Albany the most. Albany men's basketball taught me what a rivalry feels like. I grew up crying on the way home from then-SEFCU arena after a devastating loss. I refused to wear purple. That place is the antithesis of Patrick Gym.
STADIUM JOURNEY:
Who mentored you and helped make you the person that you are today?
MADDIE AHMADI:
My admiration for UVM basketball comes from my parents. They both prioritize community and connection. UVM is their community and they make an effort to always remain connected. Growing up, I sought to connect with my community by serving on my school board, interning with local media, and supporting the state in any way I could. I learned that from my parents and have them to thank for who I am today. Loyalty is everything.
Maddie and family
STADIUM JOURNEY:
So you've been away from the Green Mountain State for a few months. What spots do you make sure to hit when you're back?
MADDIE AHMADI:
Let me lay out the ideal day. First, you need to take a trip to Handy’s Lunch in Burlington for breakfast. I always get a McHandy with bacon and a McHandy with sausage on bulkie rolls. The bulkie rolls are key. Then, take a trip to Church Street and check out some local shops. You will soon realize there are not very many shops in the area and that you'll need something else to do. Luckily, it should be almost time for a 2 pm UVM women’s basketball game. From 2 pm to 4 pm, you will watch the women take down Albany, all while playing stifling defense. You’ll have a short break before the men’s game, so grab dinner at The Gryphon. You must try the sweet potato nachos. They are delectable. Then, head back to Patrick and watch the men play from 7 pm to 9 pm. If we avoid overtime, you might be able to catch a late-night show at the Flynn Theater post-game. Oh, for pizza, I highly recommend Piesanos.
STADIUM JOURNEY:
Same question for your adapted home, Chapel Hill.
MADDIE AHMADI:
If you are ever in Chapel Hill, you need to grab breakfast at The Carolina Coffee Shop. Despite the deceptive name, the establishment is much more than a coffee shop. They have the best cornflake French toast. Last year, I saw Patriots QB Drake Maye dining with his teammates there quite often. After breakfast, there are lovely botanical gardens on campus that you could explore. You should also be sure to attend one of our great sporting events. UNC has excellent women’s field hockey, women’s soccer, lacrosse, the list goes on. There’s always something. You can dine at Top of the Hill, it’s an iconic restaurant that overlooks Franklin Street. Make sure you get the hush puppies. Take in the Southern charm.
Maddie with UVM women's basketball broadcaster Maura Sheridan
STADIUM JOURNEY:
This is perhaps the most important question: What's the story behind your poem "'Twas the Night Before (UVM) Madness"?
MADDIE AHMADI:
Ha! The poem is a funny story. I was extremely disappointed when I found out that the America East Championship, and subsequent NCAA tournament, was cancelled in 2020. It’s the highlight of my year. I decided that I needed to channel that disappointment into writing, I am a journalist after all. It may have been the easiest piece I’ve ever written. The words, and emotions, just flowed.
Here's a link to Maddie's poem:
Jon Hart is @manversusball
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