First-of-its-kind NCAA program allows Bellin College student Madison DeCleene to compete for St. Norbert College's cross country and track teams, Dec. 4, 2025. PC: Fox 11 Online
BELLEVUE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A nursing student at Bellin College is the first-ever participant in a new NCAA pilot program that allows student-athletes to continue their athletic careers after transferring schools.
Madison DeCleene, who is in her first semester at Bellin, formally signed the Division III Eligibility Waiver at a ceremony Thursday. She is a cross country and track athlete.
In early October, St. Norbert College and Bellin College announced the NCAA approved a partnership that permits student-athletes who complete two years at SNC and transfer to Bellin to continue their athletic careers. If all waiver requirements are met and approved by the NCAA, these Bellin students can remain eligible to compete in NCAA athletics.
SNC and Bellin are the first schools in the country to have student-athletes approved for this waiver program, and DeCleene is the first student in the nation to take part. The program is designed to give students-athletes who transfer to an institution without varsity athletics an opportunity to continue to competing.
“I knew she’d be the perfect one to lead it off. If the NCAA is going to look back at this and say, ‘Is this feasible?’ she is setting a really high bar for others, so thank you for doing that for both Bellin and for St. Norbert,” said SNC cross country coach Don Augustine.
“This program has given me the chance to excel in both my academic and athletic career,” said DeCleene. “I couldn’t be more excited for future student-athletes who are able to step into this path — students who no longer need to choose between a stethoscope and a pair of spikes.”
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