Sibley-Ocheyedan's Madison Brouwer (33) shoots under pressure from two Regina players during a Class 2A quarterfinal state tournament game in Des Moines. Madison Brouwer had 28 points, 10 rebounds and five steals as the Generals charged to a 60-39 win, advancing to the semifinals.
Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal
Sibley-Ocheyedan's Madison Brouwer trails eventual Class 1A champion Noelle Steines of Calamus-Wheatland as the pair near the finish line at the 2022 girls' state cross country meet in Fort Dodge. Brouwer finished second.
JIM NELSON, Waterloo Courier.
Madison Brouwer of Sibley-Ocheyedan glances at the scoreboard as she crosses the finish line second in the 2023 Iowa girls Class 1A state cross country race at Lakeside Golf Course in Fort Dodge.
SIBLEY, Iowa — Few student-athletes did more for the programs they participated in than Madison Brouwer at Sibley-Ocheyedan High School.
And Brouwer has the receipts.
In cross country and basketball, the Generals got as close to state titles behind Brouwer's leadership since the late 1990s. In track and field, the senior went out by winning two gold medals on the final day she donned the Generals’ black and orange at the Class 2A state meet.
Members of the Sibley-Ocheydan 4x400 relay team embrace after the Class 2A race during the Iowa high school state track and field meet at Drak…
Finding opportunity during imperfect times
The daughter of Jerrad and Tracee Brouwer, Madison was a three-time state gold medalist between the 800 and 1,500-meter runs for her career (which includes the canceled 2020 season) and a two-time top-three finisher at the Drake Relays.
While many saw the decision to call off spring sports in 2020 due to the COVID outbreak as a chance to take time off, Brouwer used the time to improve herself.
“Running became more popular during COVID,” she said. “And I saw some workouts on social media and tried some of them out by myself. That really made me like going out by myself and doing different things. I think that's when my passion for running really grew.
“So once we did have a season again, I realized how much I enjoyed running and the competition."
She ran final times of 2 minutes, 13.67 seconds to win the 800 and 4:36.75 in the 2A 1,500 for first. Brouwer holds individual school records in the 800 and 1,500, plus was part of a pair of school record-setting relays in the distance medley and 4x400, which took 11th at state with the same group as the distance medley team, only with Bria Wasmund running for Hensch.
“There's a drive you have to have within yourself to succeed in the running sports,” Brouwer said.
Madison Brouwer of Sibley-Ocheyedan competes in the Girls 800 Meter Run 2A during Saturday's Iowa High School State Track and Field championsh…
Success on the hardwood
The Sibley-Ocheyedan basketball team went 1-21 the season prior to Brouwer’s arrival as a freshman. She made an immediate impact as she was the team’s leading scorer and rebounder as a freshman at 15.2 points per game and 9.9 boards.
The Generals improved by seven wins upon her arrival before going a combined 40-10 over Brouwer’s final two seasons, culminating in a 2A state semifinal loss to eventual state champion Dike-New Hartford, a 61-56 final that proved to be the closest game of the season for the champs outside of the Wolverines’ one loss.
Brouwer finished with 10 points, 11 rebounds, eight blocked shots and four steals in the semifinal loss. In the Generals' 60-39 quarterfinal win over Iowa City Regina in the quarterfinals, she contributed 28 points, 10 rebounds and five steals.
“Knowing what we were going into high school and finishing with a trip to state just showed how much work we put into basketball and how badly we wanted it,” Brouwer said. “I hope that we kind of changed the culture. But we wanted to play for each other. It’s about being a humble athlete and using your God-given abilities.”
Sibley-Ocheyedan's Madison Brouwer waves to the crowd atop the medal stand after winning the girls' 2A 800-meter run at the 2023 Iowa high sch…
She's the school’s all-time leading rebounder and holds the single-game record with 20. Brouwer scored over 1,600 career points on over 50% shooting, grabbed over 920 rebounds and added 738 more combined steals, assists and blocks. She was twice named first-team all-state in and was named to the 2A all-state tournament as a senior.
Next stop: University of South Dakota
If Brouwer’s linear improvement keeps going, it’ll benefit the University of South Dakota, where she’ll be running cross country and track for the Coyotes.
"We are thrilled to have Madison join our program in the fall at USD,” Coyotes head cross county coach Nolan Fife said. “Our goal is to find the best athletes and competitors, and Madison fits that perfectly.
“She has shown incredible range on the track, has excelled in cross country, and has helped carry her basketball team deep into the state tournament. Her competitiveness, eagerness to learn and team-first mentality will make her a great addition to our program at South Dakota and help us continue to raise the bar.”
Sibley-Ocheydan's Madison Brouwer (center) runs the final leg of the girls' Class 2A distance medley relay at the 2023 Iowa high school state …
Though it ended with her landing in the right spot, the recruiting process wasn’t easy for Brouwer.
“It was a little overwhelming at first, and I was a little nervous,” she said. “It was a big decision, but once I visited USD, I realized that their mindset was similar to mine, and that’s where I wanted to be.”
No outside motivation needed
Brouwer relished the team dynamic of basketball, but the self-driven two-time runner-up in cross country is best suited on the course and track.
“I thought about maybe (pursuing a college basketball career) more as a freshman and sophomore,’ she said, “but I realized my true passion was geared a little more toward running. I just have a deeper love for cross country and track. I was sad to see my basketball career end but excited to focus on my running at USD.”
Over her four years as a cross country runner at Sibley-Ocheyedan, the Generals went from an afterthought at the state level to eighth as a team in Class 2A in 2020 to seventh in 2A in 2021 to third in 1A last fall.
Brouwer’s climb up the ranks started with an 87th-place finish in which she ran a 5K time of 21:41.80. She cut over a minute off as a sophomore and took 15th before finishing second to a pair of the state’s premier distance runners regardless of class in Mid-Prairie’s Danielle Hostetler and Calamus-Wheatland’s Noelle Steines as a junior and senior.
Her four times at the state cross country race got better every season. Between her time that placed 87th in 2019 to her final state meet, Brouwer was running faster times by nearly three minutes.
'She treats everyone like a friend'
Guided by her faith and self-determination, she remains active with the youth group at First Reformed Church and is a National Honor Society member.
Sibley-Ocheyedan's Madison Brouwer (33) looks to pass around Dike-New Hartford's Camille Landphair (11) during a Class 2A semifinal game at th…
"Madison led by example on a daily basis by how she treated others. Madi includes everyone, takes time to talk to everyone, and shows kindness to everyone. I have so much respect for her character and how she treats everyone like a friend," said Brouwer's basketball coach Zach Wessels.
However, Brouwer’s impact around the community has been felt as much -- if not more -- than the one she’s left on the athletics department.
“Madison is very special to us here at S-O. We love her, are so thankful for the time together and memories made, and are proud of the young lady she has become,” Wiersma said.
"Madison is willing to put in the extra time to become elite," said Sibley-Ocheyedan activities director Amie Elser. "Her determination drives her mindset. She is so kind, humble and excels at anything she puts her mind to. This could be working at the pool, community involvement, academics and athletics.
Members of the Sibley-Ocheydan 4x400 relay team embrace after the Class 2A race during the Iowa high school state track and field meet at Drake Stadium in Des Moines that went from May 18 to May 21. From left: Alayna Wingate, Zoe Ackerman, Madison Brouwer, Olivia Hensch.
Madison Brouwer runs the final leg of the girls' Class 2A 4x400 relay during the 2023 Iowa High School Girls state track and field meet at Drake Stadium in Des Moines.
Sibley-Ocheyedan's Madison Brouwer waves to the crowd atop the medal stand after winning the girls' 2A 800-meter run at the 2023 Iowa high school state track and field meet at Drake Stadium in Des Moines.
Dike-New Hartford's Payton Petersen (25) pulls down a rebound in front of Sibley-Ocheyedan's Madison Brouwer (33) during Dike-New Hartford vs Sibley-Ocheyedan Class 2A semifinal-round action of the Iowa Girls High School State Basketball Tournament played Friday, March 3, 2023, at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
Sibley-Ocheyedan's Madison Brouwer (33) swats the ball away form Dike-New Hartford's Jadyn Petersen (3) during Dike-New Hartford vs Sibley-Ocheyedan Class 2A semifinal-round action of the Iowa Girls High School State Basketball Tournament played Friday, March 3, 2023, at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. Dike-New Hartford won the game 61-56.
Dike-New Hartford's Payton Petersen (25) and Sibley-Ocheyedan's Alayna Wingate (3) collide while reaching for a rebound during Dike-New Hartford vs Sibley-Ocheyedan Class 2A semifinal-round action of the Iowa Girls High School State Basketball Tournament played Friday, March 3, 2023, at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. At left is Sibley-Ocheyedan's Madison Brouwer (33).
Sibley-Ocheyedan's Madison Brouwer (33) looks to pass around Dike-New Hartford's Camille Landphair (11) during a Class 2A semifinal game at the state tournament in Des Moines Friday.
Sibley-Ocheyedan's Madison Brouwer (33) and Dike-New Hartford's Payton Petersen (25) reach for a rebound during Dike-New Hartford vs Sibley-Ocheyedan Class 2A semifinal-round action of the Iowa Girls High School State Basketball Tournament played Friday, March 3, 2023, at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
Dike-New Hartford's Jadyn Petersen (3) shoots over Sibley-Ocheyedan's Madison Brouwer (33) during Dike-New Hartford vs Sibley-Ocheyedan Class 2A semifinal-round action of the Iowa Girls High School State Basketball Tournament played Friday, March 3, 2023, at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. Dike-New Hartford won the game 61-56.
Dike-New Hartford's Jadyn Petersen (3) wrestles the ball away from Sibley-Ocheyedan's Madison Brouwer (33) during Dike-New Hartford vs Sibley-Ocheyedan Class 2A semifinal-round action of the Iowa Girls High School State Basketball Tournament played Friday, March 3, 2023, at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
Sibley-Ocheyedan's Madison Brouwer (33), left, and Olivia Hensch (21) pressure Dike-New Hartford's Payton Petersen (25) as she shoots during Dike-New Hartford vs Sibley-Ocheyedan Class 2A semifinal-round action of the Iowa Girls High School State Basketball Tournament played Friday, March 3, 2023, at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
Dike-New Hartford's Payton Petersen (25) shoots under pressure form Sibley-Ocheyedan's Madison Brouwer (33) during Dike-New Hartford vs Sibley-Ocheyedan Class 2A semifinal-round action of the Iowa Girls High School State Basketball Tournament played Friday, March 3, 2023, at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
Sibley-Ocheyedan's Madison Brouwer (33) knocks a rebound away form Dike-New Hartford's Jadyn Petersen (3) during Dike-New Hartford vs Sibley-Ocheyedan Class 2A semifinal-round action of the Iowa Girls High School State Basketball Tournament played Friday, March 3, 2023, at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. At right is Dike-New Hartford's Payton Petersen (25).
Sibley-Ocheyedan's Madison Brouwer (33) shoots under pressure from two Regina players during a Class 2A quarterfinal state tournament game in Des Moines. Madison Brouwer had 28 points, 10 rebounds and five steals as the Generals charged to a 60-39 win, advancing to the semifinals.
Sibley-Ocheyedan's Madison Brouwer trails eventual Class 1A champion Noelle Steines of Calamus-Wheatland as the pair near the finish line at the 2022 girls' state cross country meet in Fort Dodge. Brouwer finished second.
Madison Brouwer of Sibley-Ocheyedan glances at the scoreboard as she crosses the finish line second in the 2023 Iowa girls Class 1A state cross country race at Lakeside Golf Course in Fort Dodge.
Sibley-Ocheyedan's Madison Brower (bib number 628) leads a pack of leaders in the 1A girls' state cross country race Friday at Lakeside Golf Course in Fort Dodge. Trailing her on the right is eventual champion Noelle Steines of Calamus-Wheatland (527) and Alta-Aurelia's Nora Peterson (522). Brouwer finished second and Peterson third.
Sibley-Ocheyedan's Madison Brower (bib number 628) leads a pack of leaders in the 1A girls' state cross country race Friday at Lakeside Golf Course in Fort Dodge. Trailing her on the right is eventual champion Noelle Steines of Calamus-Wheatland (527) and Alta-Aurelia's Nora Peterson (522). Brouwer finished second and Peterson third.
Calamus-Wheatland's Noelle Steines repeated as the 1A state cross country champion Friday at the Lakeside Golf Course in Fort Dodge. She edged Madison Brouwer of Sibley-Ocheyedan
Sibley-Ocheydan's Madison Brouwer (3), shown at the 2020 state track meet in Des Moines, has recorded top finishes in the 400, 800 and 1500 the last two seasons.
Madison Brouwer (3) of Sibley-Ocheyedan competes in the Girls 1500 Meter Run 2A during Saturday's Iowa High School State Track and Field championships at Drake Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa, May 21, 2022.
Madison Brouwer of Sibley-Ocheyedan competes in the Girls 800 Meter Run 2A during Saturday's Iowa High School State Track and Field championships at Drake Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa, May 21, 2022.
Madison Brouwer of Sibley-Ocheyedan takes the lead early in the race during the Class 2A Iowa state qualifying cross country meet at Landsmeer Golf Club in Orange City, Iowa, Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021.
Madison Brouwer of Sibley-Ocheyedan crosses the finish line in first place at the Class 2A Iowa state qualifying cross country meet at Landsmeer Golf Club in Orange City, Iowa, Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021.
Sibley-Ocheyedan's Madison Brouwer, shown leading the field in the 800-meter run at the 2021 Iowa High School Track and Field State Championships, won the 800-meter at the Dan Lennon Invitational Tuesday at the DakotaDome in Vermillion, S.D.
Madison Brouwer of Sibley, right, competes in the Girls 2A 800 Meter Run at the 2021 Iowa High School Track and Field State Championships at Drake Stadium, Saturday in Des Moines, Iowa, May 22, 2021.
Sibley-Ocheyedan’s Madison Brouwer was selected as The Journal's 2023 Siouxland Female Athlete of the Year by a vote of our sports team. We will reveal our Siouxland Male Athlete of the Year on Tuesday.
FRESHMAN: 15.2 points (48.5&% FG), 9.9 rebounds per game, 8-14 record
SOPHOMORE: 16 points (49.4% FG), 9.4 rebounds per game, 16-6 record
JUNIOR: 19 points (51.4% FG), 9.2 rebounds per game, 18-6 record, regional final
SENIOR: 19 points (58.7% FG), 10.9 rebounds per game, 22-4 record, state semifinals, 2A first-team all-state, all-state tournament team
Track & Field
CAREER: 4 school records (800m; 1,500m; distance medley; 4x400 relay)
FRESHMAN: No season (COVID-19)
SOPHOMORE: 800m state champion; 4th in 400m; 2nd in 4x800
JUNIOR: 2nd in 1500m; 3rd in 800m; 800m Elite 8 at Howard Wood Relays (SD)
SENIOR: Class 2A state champion in 800m and 1,500; 3rd in distance medley; 2nd in 1,500 at Drake Relays; 3rd in 800m at Drake Relays
Past winners
The Sioux City Journal has been honoring a female and male athlete of the year from a Siouxland high school since longtime sports editor Terry Hersom created the awards in 1981. Below are the past female honorees.
Sibley-Ocheydan's Madison Brouwer (center) runs the final leg of the girls' Class 2A distance medley relay at the 2023 Iowa high school state track and field at Drake Stadium in Des Moines. Brouwer, the 2023 Siouxland Female Journal Athlete of the Year, was among the state's best in three sports this season.
Sibley-Ocheyedan's Madison Brouwer (33) shoots under pressure from two Regina players during a Class 2A quarterfinal state tournament game in Des Moines. Madison Brouwer had 28 points, 10 rebounds and five steals as the Generals charged to a 60-39 win, advancing to the semifinals.
Sibley-Ocheyedan's Madison Brouwer trails eventual Class 1A champion Noelle Steines of Calamus-Wheatland as the pair near the finish line at the 2022 girls' state cross country meet in Fort Dodge. Brouwer finished second.
Sibley-Ocheyedan's Madison Brouwer (33) looks to pass around Dike-New Hartford's Camille Landphair (11) during a Class 2A semifinal game at the state tournament in Des Moines Friday.
Madison Brouwer runs the final leg of the girls' Class 2A 4x400 relay during the 2023 Iowa High School Girls state track and field meet at Drake Stadium in Des Moines.
Madison Brouwer of Sibley-Ocheyedan competes in the Girls 800 Meter Run 2A during Saturday's Iowa High School State Track and Field championships at Drake Stadium in Des Moines, Iowa, May 21, 2022.
Sibley-Ocheyedan's Madison Brouwer waves to the crowd atop the medal stand after winning the girls' 2A 800-meter run at the 2023 Iowa high school state track and field meet at Drake Stadium in Des Moines.
Madison Brouwer of Sibley-Ocheyedan glances at the scoreboard as she crosses the finish line second in the 2023 Iowa girls Class 1A state cross country race at Lakeside Golf Course in Fort Dodge.
Members of the Sibley-Ocheydan 4x400 relay team embrace after the Class 2A race during the Iowa high school state track and field meet at Drake Stadium in Des Moines that went from May 18 to May 21. From left: Alayna Wingate, Zoe Ackerman, Madison Brouwer, Olivia Hensch.