Perry’s first Division-1 soccer signee leaves behind lofty legacy as one of several record-breaking Houston County athletes

PERRY — Madilynn Foster joined the ranks of several record-breaking Houston County athletes after signing to play soccer at South Carolina State University on Monday.

Foster is the first Division-1 soccer commit in Perry High School history, and is the 25th Panther to earn an athletic scholarship this year, according to athletic director Tyler Rodgers.

She, and the Class of 2026, had a 62-14-1 overall record, were 40-0 in region games and extended the region championship streak to six in their four years.

Foster was responsible for 85 goals and 14 assists in her career, and finished with a 59.3 shot on target percentage.

Her mother, Asher Foster, knew her daughter was destined for greatness from the moment she kicked a soccer ball at three-years-old.

“I kind of already knew [it was going to happen], I’m just going to be honest. … Even though she said she wasn’t going to play soccer anymore [after high school] … I still knew that God was bigger,” Asher Foster said.

It didn’t come without its fair share of difficulties, including injuries. Madilynn Foster was sidelined during her senior playoff run because of them.

“I’ve always had ankle problems and everything like that, but I know I’ve conquered and recovered … [that] allows me to pursue this great sport that I love to play so much.” Madilynn Foster said. “Just knowing that, I really can do anything that I put my mind to.”

“It’s just something in me that’s driven,” she said. “I can’t stop playing this sport. I was always just like, ‘Okay, I need to keep going. This is something that I really want to do.’”

Madilynn Foster first garnered college attention during her sophomore year at the Middle Georgia Invitational. Her mother called it a “beautiful experience,” and it opened her to the possibility of playing past high school.

“I was just like, ‘Okay, I’m out there, my name is out there,” Madilynn Foster said.

However, she never received any offers. She originally didn’t intend to play soccer in college for that reason, but everything changed about a month before her signing day.

South Carolina State reached out, and a week later the Foster family was on campus for a visit. She wasn’t planning on attending a Historically Black College and University at first, her sights were set on Georgia Southern University, but her brief time in Orangeburg, South Carolina felt like home.

“Just to see the HBCU, the environment I was in, it felt like home to me,” Madilynn Foster said. “I’m grateful that I do have this opportunity to learn more about historical Black culture and learning to get more involved with the same type of people as me. In this world it’s very hard to recognize and realize that.”

Her mother also appreciates the chance to learn.

“I think it’s important that she knows history … The people who helped build a solid foundation, I think it’s very important,” Asher Foster said. “I was very excited for the opportunity for her to go and learn more.”

Madilynn Foster is looking forward to a lot when she moves on campus soon. She plans to be an exercise science major with the goal of becoming a physical therapist.

“I’m mainly looking forward to developing my skill [and] talent … Connecting with the girls, making new friends and hoping just to be seen more professionally,” Madilynn Foster said.