Story by Naomi Carballo Martinez

Madisyn Bowkley, a competitive cheerleader since 5 years old, has received a 2,000-dollar scholarship for acrobatics and tumbling at Mars Hill, despite not formally participating in acrobatics.

“Training for acro and tumbling is relaxed and focuses on getting better step by step,” stated Bowkley. She has practically done tumbling her whole life. It begins with a warmup and gradually gets harder, it involves many repetitive moves like flips. “It’s all about having fun and moving at your own pace,” said Bowkley. 

About a year ago, Madisyn made an NCSA account and listed her skills along with her grade level. On January 23rd, Madisyn received her first recruitment email from the Mars Hill coach. As luck would have it, Bowkley and her friend, Samiyah Hope, had set up a tour date the following week, enabling Madisyn to demonstrate her interest in acro and tumbling.

Madisyn’s tour of Mars Hill only excited her more. “My meeting with the coach went well, and let me know if I was interested; we could start the recruiting process. Of course, I said yes!” exclaimed Bowkley. Later, during a phone call with Coach Kincaid, the coach asked if she had accepted the scholarship. “Yes,” Madisyn replied, and then heard the words she’d been waiting for: “Welcome to the team!” 

For Bowkley, the $2,000 scholarship wasn’t just money; it was her ticket to a four-year college and a Division II team. “Knowing I was about to be on a D2 team at Mars Hill, I felt proud and accomplished!” exclaimed Bowkley, emphasizing that for her, it was a defining opportunity. 

With a spot secured on the team and a $2,000 scholarship, Madisyn is bound to start a new chapter at college. With Mars Hill being a small town with a small school, she will feel right at home like Newton-Conover and Discovery. It’s only the beginning of Madisyn’s journey, with lots of fun experiences to come.