Murray State University Athletics

Photo by: David Eaton-Murray State Athletics
Kirby Named Racer Basketball’s Director of On-Campus Recruiting
9/19/2024 3:31:00 PM | Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball
The former Racer 1 jockey takes on a new role in the Murray State athletics department
Murray State Athletics has added former Racer 1 jockey Madison Kirby as its newly-created Director of On-Campus Recruiting for Racer basketball, it was announced on Thursday afternoon.
"Madison has an unparalleled understanding of the history and traditions of Murray State Athletics, making her the perfect ambassador to present Racer Basketball to recruits and their families," Director of Athletics Nico Yantko said. "This role will have an immediate impact on our programs, and we are excited to have Madison on staff to help take our recruiting efforts to new heights."
Kirby, who is stepping into a first-of-its-kind position in the Missouri Valley Conference, will oversee the planning and coordination for visits to campus by potential Racers and their families.
In addition to aiding the recruiting needs of Racer Basketball, Kirby will play a role in the department's community engagement efforts.
Her addition continues to solidify Murray State's basketball staff as the largest in the MVC and one of the largest in the nation.
"Murray State has become my home away from home for the past four years and I am so excited to be able to stay and join the Racer Athletics staff," said Kirby. "I am extremely thankful to Nico Yantko for allowing me to step into this new role. I hope to show basketball recruits how special of a place Murray is and welcome them to become a part of this amazing Racer Family!"
As a student, Kirby was part of the amazing Racer 1 tradition as the student-jockey from 2021-23, where she was part of the most recognized mascot in all of collegiate athletics. She graduated from Murray State in May 2024 with a degree in Agricultural Science.
Follow the Racers on X (@MSURacers), Instagram (@RacersAthletics) and Facebook to stay up-to-date on all that is happening with Murray State Athletics.
"Madison has an unparalleled understanding of the history and traditions of Murray State Athletics, making her the perfect ambassador to present Racer Basketball to recruits and their families," Director of Athletics Nico Yantko said. "This role will have an immediate impact on our programs, and we are excited to have Madison on staff to help take our recruiting efforts to new heights."
Kirby, who is stepping into a first-of-its-kind position in the Missouri Valley Conference, will oversee the planning and coordination for visits to campus by potential Racers and their families.
In addition to aiding the recruiting needs of Racer Basketball, Kirby will play a role in the department's community engagement efforts.
Her addition continues to solidify Murray State's basketball staff as the largest in the MVC and one of the largest in the nation.
"Murray State has become my home away from home for the past four years and I am so excited to be able to stay and join the Racer Athletics staff," said Kirby. "I am extremely thankful to Nico Yantko for allowing me to step into this new role. I hope to show basketball recruits how special of a place Murray is and welcome them to become a part of this amazing Racer Family!"
As a student, Kirby was part of the amazing Racer 1 tradition as the student-jockey from 2021-23, where she was part of the most recognized mascot in all of collegiate athletics. She graduated from Murray State in May 2024 with a degree in Agricultural Science.
Follow the Racers on X (@MSURacers), Instagram (@RacersAthletics) and Facebook to stay up-to-date on all that is happening with Murray State Athletics.
Head Coach Ryan Miller | Racer Basketball | Post Game Press Conference 12/2/25
Wednesday, December 03
Mathis Courbon & JJ Traynor | Racer Basketball | Post Game Press Conference 12/2/25
Wednesday, December 03
Morehead VS Murray State Men's Basketball Highlights
Wednesday, December 03
Head Coach Ryan Miller | Racer Basketball | 12/1/25 Press Conference
Monday, December 01







