“How is Madison Birnbaum doing these days?” you might ask.

Birnbaum, a 2019 graduate of Ponca City High School and a former standout on the Po-Hi Lady Cats basketball team, is doing quite well these days. In fact, she recently completed her freshman season as a member of the Newman University women’s basketball team and came away with an honor to prove her well-being.

Birnbaum was designated as “Rookie of the Year” by her team, which is based in Wichita, Kan. The Rookie of the Year award goes to the player determined to be the top freshman performer.

Birnbaum said she started a game or two for Newman, but basically came off the bench as a role player. When asked how Newman’s season had gone, she answered, “Pretty good. We had our ups and downs.”

Newman is a member of the very tough MIAA conference, one of the top NCAA Division II conferences in the nation. The recently completed season was Newman’s first in the MIAA. Birnbaum was nominated for the very prestigious “Freshman of the Year” designation in the MIAA, a distinction of which she is very proud.

Schools in the MIAA include University of Central Oklahoma, University of Central Missouri, Emporia State (Kan.) University, Fort Hays (Kan.) State University, Lincoln (Mo.) University, Missouri Southern State, Missouri Western State, University of Nebraska at Kearney, Newman, Northeastern (Okla.) State University, Northwest Missouri State, Pittsburg (Kan.) State University, Rogers State (Okla.) and Washburn (Kan.) University. Birnbaum stands at 6 feet

Birnbaum stands at 6 feet even and as a member of the Ponca City Lady Cats was known especially for her defensive play, rebounding and shot blocking ability. As a sophomore she was a member of the team that advanced to the Class 6A State Tournament. She missed a good portion of her junior season due to a back injury which plagued her some off and on during her senior year.

Asked about the transition from playing high school to college basketball she responded, “It definitely took a second. It takes a bit to get used to the pace and how team play is different. But after I was able to adjust I did pretty well.”

The faster pace of play has a lot to do with the existence of a shot clock.

“There is better competition (in college),” she continued. “Everyone is at the same level. You have to be on top of your game all the time.”

She still is known as a defensive player, but now she also is known as one who can pop it from long range and score from behind the threepoint arc. The rebounding is still there as she pulled down 14 boards in one game. She remembers her highest point-total for one game as being 15.

What were the toughest teams her team faced during her freshman season? “Emporia State, Fort Hays and UCO,” she said.

According to the team’s website, Birnbaum averaged 18.9 minutes and 6.6 points per game. She averaged 4.4 rebounds and as far as three-point shooting was concerned, she made 21 of 49 attempts. Her .429 percentage from behind the arc was one of the highest for the team.

She expects Newman to have a better year next season.

“It was our first year in the conference. We are getting used to the competition. And we have some freshmen coming in that will add different kind of threats we didn’t have this year.”

Newman finished the season with an 11-17 overall record and 6-13 against conference opponents. Birnbaum’s brother, Jacob,

Birnbaum’s brother, Jacob, is a member of the Newman men’s team and will be back next year for his senior season.

“It is awesome,” she said after being asked what it was like to be at the same school as her brother. “It is nice to have family around. It makes the schedule easier for our parents,” she added. Her parents are David and Julie Birnbaum.