Madinah (ma-Dee-na) Slaise was a four-year letterwinner at the University of Cincinnati (1996-2000). She ranks as the program's third all-time leading scorer with 1,849 points and averaged 21.8 ppg as a senior in 2000, the fourth-best single-season scoring average in UC history.
A two-time First-Team All-Conference USA selection in 1999 and 2000, she was named to the Conference USA All-Freshman Team in 1997. She earned a spot on the C-USA All-Tournament Team in 1999 and led UC in steals in each of her four seasons, grabbing 57, 45, 85 and 70 from 1997-2000, respectively.
Slaise still holds the school single-game record for free throw attempts, racking up 18 at Charlotte in 2000 and holds the UC single-season record for both free throws made (193) and attempted (242), both set in 1998-99. Slaise also holds the career marks for free throws made (503) and attempted (676) (male and female players) and ranks in UC's career top-10 in games played (t-9th/119), points (3rd/1,849), scoring average (6th/15.5), field goals made (8th/600), field goals attempted (3rd/1,602), 3-point field goals made (6th/146), 3-point field goals attempted (5th/497) and steals (2nd/256).
Professional Basketball
After graduating from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Madinah Slaise was selected by the Detroit Shock in the second round (No. 28 overall) of the 2000 WNBA draft. She played with the Shock during the 2000 season, capturing the second highest player efficiency ranking (30%) for the 2000 WNBA season. She also competed overseas in France, Switzerland and Israel while launching the Madinah Slaise Youth Basketball Camp in her hometown, Lima Ohio.[citation needed]
Prior to accepting a commission with the United States Air Force, she earned an associate degree and practiced as a board certified (Medical-Surgical) Registered Nurse for several years within the civilian sector. Subsequently, accomplishing a second bachelor's degree in Nursing Science from Winston-Salem State University in 2010 (summa cum laude). She also achieved a master's degree as a Nurse Educator from Liberty University in 2016 (magna cum laude).
Slaise retired from her officership in the United States Air Force as a Major in 2018. Her career appointment summarization includes APU/PACU/CASF/Emergency Department Clinical Nurse, Medical Group & Squadron Executive Officer, Flight Nurse, and POTUS Flight Medicine Clinic Flight Commander.[7]
Media Magnate: Second Act
Madinah Slaise’s career in journalism traces back to a 1999 invitation to apply for a sports broadcasting internship at WCPO-TV in Cincinnati, Ohio. The on-location field reporting informed her editorial lens and culminated in the founding of Madinah Slaise Media in Seattle, Washington in 2021. By 2023, Seattleites had fallen head over heels with the quirky freelance volunteer news producer and her infectious on-air personality.
In March 2024, Madinah cold-pitched her eponymous Madinah In The Market (MITM) radio show to the Pike Place Market Marketing and Public Relations Department. The unprecedented series launch opened doors for independent producers while solidifying her position as a prime-time host on 91.3 KBCS-FM.
In response to sustained audience demand, MITM expanded into an editorial series captured on location, offering viewers access beyond the Pike Place Market high stalls and into conversations unfolding in real time. Produced as intimate field recordings and filmed before a live studio audience at The Rabbit Box Theatre, the series reaches more than 2.5 million Puget Sound listeners each week on KBCS.
When she isn't behind the camera or cutting up in Logic Pro, Madinah maintains a strategic focus on public health. She formerly served as the Health Disparities Chair of the Seattle Mayor's Council on African American Elders (MCAAE). Her duties included advising the Mayor and government officials on the policies, practices, and programs impacting African American seniors in the metropolis.
The Cincinnati Enquirer has ranked Slaise one of the "Top 20 U.C. women's basketball players to wear the Bearcat uniform." Her military legacy places her firmly on the path to enshrinement on the Lima City Schools Veterans Wall of Honor in tribute to her military service.[8]
United States
United States Army
United States Air Force