Madison Christian has always been a competitor. For her whole life, she’s sought out ways to compete, even if she had to prove plenty of people wrong along the way.

Christian broke down barriers the last two years as the first female to play offensive line at Warren County High School, but she wasn’t going to retire her competitive streak at the same time she hung up her cleats. Instead, she worked her way onto a whole new squad, making the cheer team at Bethel College

Christian is currently in West Tennessee prepping for another season on the sidelines, albeit this time she’ll have poms-poms instead of pads. 

“I’m always up for a challenge that is going to uplift myself as a person and give me an opportunity to grow,” said Christian when asked about the switch to cheer in college. “Cheer led me to the ultimate college experience that I had been longing for since I started applying my junior year.”

While Christian is no stranger to taking on new things as an athlete, college cheer has put her to the test this summer. The longtime fan of football always knew what was going on between the lines on the gridiron, but she’s had to learn on the fly what to do when you’re not on the field.

“Football was harder for me physically, but cheer has definitely been tougher on me mentally. I always had a passion for football; Therefore, it was easier to comprehend the plays and learn Cheer is a new experience that I wasn’t exposed to as much growing up so I’m having to challenge myself more,” said Christian.

It wasn’t hard for Madison to pinpoint what led her on the path to Bethel. An urge to compete gave her the chance to cheer, but strong faith is why she fit in immediately at her home away from home.

“When I visited Bethel, everybody made me feel welcome. It is a Christian university, so it was the perfect opportunity to strengthen my relationship with God,” said Christian. “I’ve made many friends and met many football players who understand my love for the game. Although leaving my hometown wasn’t easy, they made my transition to my new home as easy as it could be.”

Christian will get to make her debut as a Bethel cheerleader Sept. 9, but she’s already started classes and has big plans for a homecoming down the road.

“My focus is Biology and maintaining a high GPA. I plan on attaining my Doctorate’s degree and becoming a general surgeon to offer better medical care in McMinnville so families don’t have to travel to other facilities in order to receive the care they need,” said Christian.

If she’s able to accomplish her goals – and nothing has stopped her yet – then it will be her hometown cheering for Madison when she makes her return.