Sweet Success
Maddison Perna reflects on her Monmouth soccer journey and what’s next.
Maddison Perna has been a mainstay in the midfield for the Monmouth women’s soccer program since 2019. Despite missing the 2021 season due to injury, Perna racked up an impressive 81 games played as a Hawk. Along the way, she competed in an NCAA championship tournament, won regular season and conference playoff titles, and was named to All-MAAC and All-CAA conference teams.
A player of her pedigree has mountains of advice to pass around the locker room. But prior to games, you were just as likely to see her dispensing Jolly Ranchers to teammates.
Hard candy was just one of Perna’s pregame routines during her Monmouth playing career, which concluded this fall. She talked with us recently about the (many) ways she prepped for each contest, the duality of silence, and why she’s trading the pitch for PT school.
The importance of having that Extra something.
Before each game, I always have a Jolly Rancher in the locker room—whatever flavor I pull out of the bag. I also write the name of my late cousin, Ian, on one wrist and a bible verse or “Glory to God” on the other.
During warmups, I chew a piece of Extra Spearmint gum. I throw that out and have new piece at the start of the game and then a fresh piece for the second half.
I never ran out of gum at Monmouth, but one time before a club soccer game, I forgot to bring any. My coach’s wife ran over to the bleachers and luckily found a parent who had Extra Spearmint! Crisis avoided.
Music for the mindset.
What I listen to on game days varies. I like Kelly Clarkson and the Fray, but I’m more into lyrics that inspire me before competition. One song I always listen to though is “This I Believe” by Hillsong Worship.
A pitch-perfect experience.
It’s been an amazing experience to form friendships with so many teammates. Your team is your immediate family on campus, but we have a much larger family of Monmouth student-athletes as well. I was able to connect with so many teams and athletes from different backgrounds. All fellow Hawks come out to games and support each other.
Silence can be deadly.
My parents were both athletes, and some of the best advice they gave me was that if a coach stops correcting you, it’s time to worry. When I was younger, I would get frustrated when coaches were critical of my play, but it’s really a sign that they feel I have the potential to be a better player. When a coach stops correcting your mistakes, they probably believe you’ve reached your plateau and will focus their attention elsewhere.
It can also be golden.
I can get pretty upset after a loss. My boyfriend reads me well and knows to just agree with me until I have time to cool off. He was a football player, so he understands the competitive side and knows that silence immediately after a loss can be a good thing.
A real-life superhero.
If I could choose one person to hang out with for a night, it would be Ian. Growing up, he was my hero. Ian was a little older than me, and I remember when I was about 5-years old, he came to my sister’s soccer game. He knew he had to leave early and that I would get upset about it. But he also knew I was a big Marvel fan. So, he wore a Spider Man suit under his clothes and when it was time for him to leave, he left in costume and said he needed to go save the world.
Just for kicks.
When I’m not playing soccer, I like watching sunrises and sunsets, hiking, and stargazing. And I love to cook and bake. My apple pie is the best. I slice the apples super thin and make it with cinnamon. It’s really good.
Being all she can be.
I’ve had issues with my ankle and tore my ACL playing soccer. Experiencing the atmosphere of physical therapy (PT) has inspired me to pursue it as a profession. My uncle recently retired as a four-star general and told me about a PT program offered by the Army. I’m currently in the application process and hope join their Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Passing the Torch.
There was one other ritual that Coach (Kylee) Flynn and I had since my freshman year. When we huddled on the sideline before taking the field, Coach Flynn always had to put her arm on my shoulder. My sister Charlee is coming to Monmouth to play next season, so maybe she’ll continue the tradition with her.