Storm Lake, IA (Northwest Iowa Now) — Buena Vista University senior Madalyn Elwood earned a spot in the highly competitive 2024-2025 NFL Big Data Bowl Mentorship Program. The NFL designed the program to cultivate the next generation of sports analytics professionals.  Only 21 students nationwide were excepted.

Elwood, a mathematics major from Bennington, Nebraska, was paired with three mentors from the Dallas Cowboys organization,  and participated in monthly virtual meetings, receiving expert guidance on data analysis techniques and strategies relevant to the NFL.

 Elwood talked with Northwest Iowa Now about her experience, and what her project consisted of.

The hands-on training and mentorship Elwood received opened her mind to new ideas to use her math skills.

Elwood is finishing her senior year at Buena Vista University and is also a member of the BVU Beavers softball team.