Madison Cothern, “Madi” as she is referred to by most that know her, is a recent #VStateGrad and Red Hots alum. Before she graduated in May of 2019, Madi helped lead her Red Hots teammates to win their seventh national title at the Universal Dance Association College National Championship in Daytona Beach, Florida. We caught up with Madi about her time as a student, as a leader, and as a Red Hot at #VState.
“Looking back on my time spent here at Valdosta State University, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and pride. The community that makes up Blazer Nation has been the most supportive, caring group of people, and I could not be more thankful to have experienced their love for VSU. Being a Red Hot has been the most rewarding experience I have had in life. I have found my voice, become a better leader, and learned the true meaning of what it means to be a part of something that is bigger than myself.
I can’t go on without thanking my dedicated coaches and teammates for believing in me, trusting in me, and pushing me to be a better person. Together we never settled for just ‘good enough’. Four years ago, if you would’ve asked me if I would have been the captain of a college dance team, I probably would have laughed and quickly responded no. Here I am now, bursting with pride that I was able to handle such an honorable role and wishing I could go back and do it all over again.
Putting into words what being a part of Valdosta State Athletics as a Red Hot means to me is close to impossible and has truly been the experience of a lifetime. Aside from the many games, performances and appearances we participate in at VSU, traveling to Daytona and representing the Blazers at Nationals is a feeling like no other. As a team, we work for countless hours and push ourselves past boundaries we didn’t think were possible. This year we brought home the Division II Jazz National title, which gives the Red Hots its seventh National Championship. We take great pride in contributing to this great place we call ‘TitleTown.’ I am so grateful for my experiences at Valdosta State, and I will forever be a proud alum of this incredible university. As always, Go Blazers!” – Madi Cothern
Learn more about the Valdosta State Red Hots Dance Team today!
