Carroll College’s Madalen Shipman named inaugural Frontier Conference Grit Award recipient for Women's Cross Country

The Frontier Conference announced April 9, 2026, that Carroll College student-athlete Madalen Shipman has been selected as the inaugural women’s cross country recipient of the Frontier Conference Grit Award, sponsored by the Montana Army National Guard. Shipman, a fifth-year senior from Dillon, Montana, was recognized for perseverance, mental toughness and integrity over the course of her collegiate career.

A Business Management & Marketing major, Shipman earned the honor after overcoming multiple injuries early in college and working her way back into top form. According to the conference announcement, she leaned on rehabilitation with athletic trainers while also focusing on nutrition, sleep and guidance from her coaches. That process helped set up a return that included winning the Frontier Conference 400-meter track title as a junior.

Her progress continued into her senior year, when she moved into Carroll’s women’s cross country Top 5, posted personal records and developed stronger race-day mental strategies. During the following track season, Shipman added two All-American finishes at nationals, placing third in the 600 meters indoors and fifth in the 800 meters outdoors.

Shipman then returned for a fifth year and took on a leadership role for a young Carroll roster. The conference cited that leadership as a key part of her selection, as Carroll went on to win the Frontier Conference women’s cross country championship and finish 20th at the NAIA National Championships.

In naming Shipman the first recipient of the award, the Frontier Conference pointed to the combination of resilience, performance and character that shaped her career. The recognition also establishes the standard for the new honor, which is designed to spotlight student-athletes who persist through adversity while continuing to lead their teams.