On The Plains with Madeline Moore: 'the girl who stayed and led when things got hard'

AUBURN, Ala. — You never know what life is going to throw at you.  

If there’s anyone who’s had to buckle up and ride the emotional roller coaster that is being a Division I student-athlete and all that comes with it, it’s Auburn soccer senior Madeline Moore.  

A worldwide pandemic, a major foot injury and a pair of ACL injuries have not kept her from showing up every single day with the intent of being a light for those around her.  

“When I first visited campus, Auburn felt like home from the get-go,” Moore said. “I chose to play soccer here because of the girls and because of the team.” 

As a freshman, Moore worked her way into the starting lineup and helped the Tigers to a 10-win season with eight shutouts. It was a dream start to any player’s collegiate career. Not many rookies can make such an impact from match one.  

Through eight matches of her sophomore season, it seemed like Moore was on pace for another strong season, but then, the unexpected happened and an ACL injury forced her to step aside for the remainder of the year.  

“The hardest parts of my college career have been my injuries,” she said. “I have only been able to play two full seasons out of my five years at Auburn. 

“Although it is not what I had imagined for my collegiate career, I am grateful for these challenges. The mental and physical challenges that come with these injuries are not easy to deal with, but they have made me tough.” 

Unfortunately, Moore’s 2021 season-ending injury would not be her last. She returned healthy for the 2022 season and started the first seven matches of 2023 before a foot injury ended her season once more. Nevertheless, she worked hard to recover and make a return to the pitch for one final season in 2024.  

 During one of the Tigers’ exhibitions of the spring 2024 season, the worst came true again. An in-game collision caused yet another ACL tear for Moore, which meant she would miss the opportunity to play her final season as a Tiger.  

“The biggest lesson I have learned from my time in college is to always have gratitude,” she said. “Injuries have given me the perspective that even the hardest healthy days are ones to be grateful for. You never know when it could be your last time on the field.” 

Through the tough times she found comfort and support from her teammates, coaches and medical staff, but most importantly from her mother, Angela, father, Chris, and sister, Ellie.  

“Without their support and love, my journey as a student-athlete would have been ten times harder.” 

Now facing the 2024 season with a long recovery timeline ahead, Moore had every opportunity to check out and resign herself from the team, but to no one’s surprise, the two-time team captain pushed back and insisted on being there to support her teammates in every aspect of the program.  

“I want people to remember the girl who stayed and led when things got hard,” Moore said. “That no matter what condition I was in, I gave my best in whatever way I could so my girls could succeed. 

“Wearing Auburn across your chest shows that you represent something bigger than yourself, whether you’re a starter or not playing at all. It shows the work that you put in to be there and to help your program achieve its goals.” 

As a recurring member of the Auburn AD Honor Roll and SEC Academic Honor Roll as well as the Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society, Moore has worked extremely hard in the classroom to set herself up for success beyond the soccer field.  

With her furry friend, Maive, by her side, she hopes to become Dr. Moore someday as she works toward her goal of becoming a veterinarian.  

“To the next little girl who wants to play soccer or become a vet or has any dream at all, my advice would be to never give up and to keep working hard. As you get older, people will start to doubt you and what you are capable of. That will make you want to work harder. That was the case with me, and I worked as hard as I could to be in the position I am in now.  

“When it is all said and done, I will not remember those who doubted me. I will remember the love I had for my girls and my team. I will tell my family that good things take time. I know now that you must put in the effort and be intentional in all the areas of life you want to succeed in.”