Madison Townes Shines in Women’s Soccer: Inside The Herd
Marshall University senior Madison Townes has been making waves both on and off the soccer field. Growing up in Aldie, Virginia, Townes discovered her passion for soccer early in life.
Now, she’s a key player for the Marshall Women’s Soccer team and a dedicated student at the Bill Noe Flight School for Aviation. She’s hit some pretty remarkable milestones along the way.
For more details, you can read the full article here.
Madison Townes: A Dual Passion for Soccer and Aviation
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Madison Townes’ love for soccer started young. Growing up in Aldie, Virginia, she tried out a bunch of sports but kept coming back to soccer.
This passion pulled her to Marshall University and nudged her to explore aviation, too. At the Bill Noe Flight School, she recently completed her first solo flight—a huge step for any aspiring pilot.
Early Beginnings in Soccer
She kicked off her soccer journey at just three years old, thanks to her cousin P.J. Madison’s dedication paid off as she moved through youth leagues, eventually playing for Loudoun FC and FC Virginia.
Those early days really set her up for college soccer at Marshall.
Choosing Marshall University
Madison decided on Marshall after a campus visit during her junior year of high school. The moment she saw the Marshall Memorial Fountain, she just knew—this was her spot.
The supportive vibe and solid athletic programs sealed the deal for her, both in the classroom and on the field.
Balancing Soccer and Aviation Studies
At Marshall, Madison has managed to juggle both soccer and aviation. The Bill Noe Flight School gave her the chance to chase her dream of becoming a pilot.
She recently marked a big moment by flying solo for the first time. She described it as nerve-wracking and exhilarating—honestly, who wouldn’t feel that way?
The First Solo Flight Experience
Her first solo flight was a huge leap in her aviation journey. Madison remembers her instructor finally giving her the green light to go solo and feeling a wild mix of nerves and excitement.
She pulled off three takeoffs and landings all by herself, showing off her skills and determination.
Lessons from Soccer Applied to Aviation
Madison thinks her soccer background prepared her for the challenges of aviation. The discipline and focus she learned on the field now help her in the cockpit.
She often draws parallels between the two—practice, preparation, and persistence matter just as much in the air as on the field.
Family Support and Influence
Her family’s played a huge role in her story. Both of her parents, Leigha and D’Artagnan Townes, played college sports at James Madison University, where they met and fell in love.
This connection to JMU adds a fun twist to game days, especially when Marshall faces their Sun Belt Conference rivals.
A Special Connection to James Madison University
Madison’s name is actually a nod to her parents’ alma mater. The October 2 matchup between Marshall and James Madison University feels extra special for her family.
Her dad, especially, finds himself torn between rooting for his daughter and cheering on his old school. Must be a weird feeling, right?
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The Role of Family in Her Success
She credits her family for laying the groundwork for her success. Their encouragement has been huge for her.
Madison also appreciates the Marshall University community for giving her a second home and a strong support system. That’s helped her shine both on the field and off.
Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations
With her first solo flight behind her, Madison’s focused on getting enough flight hours to work for airlines. She also wants to check out private aviation someday.
She dreams of flying internationally, hoping to mix her love for travel with her career as a pilot. Sounds pretty amazing, honestly.
Goals and Aspirations
Madison’s ultimate goal is to fly internationally and explore new places and cultures. She wants a future where she can combine aviation and travel—can’t blame her for that.
There’s a whole world out there, and she wants to see it from the sky.
Impact of Marshall University
Her time at Marshall University has changed her life. The resources and support she’s found there helped her grow as both an athlete and a student.
She’s grateful for the close-knit community and all the opportunities that have come her way. It’s been quite a ride so far.
Conclusion
Madison Townes’ story really shows what passion and determination can do. She grew up loving soccer in Aldie, Virginia, and now she stands out as a student-athlete at Marshall University.
She’s chasing her dreams in aviation, bringing along everything she learned on the soccer field. Her family and the Marshall community have always had her back, which honestly makes all the difference.
If you’re curious about the full journey, you can read more about Madison here.