Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Cheerleader Madison Ibone Selected to Sing the Anthem at Women’s Final Four
4/3/2025 1:01:00 PM | Spirit
BOCA RATON, Fla. - Madison Ibone, a senior on the Florida Atlantic cheer team, is focused on three things: graduating this spring with a degree in biological science and pre-med, competing with the cheer team at nationals and taking advantage of every opportunity that comes her way.
In 2023, when the men's basketball team made its historic run to the NCAA Final Four, Ibone was alongside supporting the Owls in Houston as a member of the cheer team. She was also invited to represent the University by singing the national anthem before the Owls played San Diego State in the national semifinals in front of 74,000 fans at NRG Stadium in Houston -- something she had done, and continues to do, for FAU home games.
Tomorrow night, Ibone will again be singing the national anthem on the national stage – this time before the Women's Final Four tips off at Amalie Arena in Tampa. Quite the dream scenario for the graduating senior from New Jersey.
Ibone has been singing since she was a child. She did theater throughout school but stopped when she got to high school. Singing became more of a hobby for her, something that she would do casually around the house. When asked to perform in 2023 at NRG Stadium, Ibone jumped at the opportunity, despite the nerves of it being her first time singing on such a big stage. It was a monumental moment for her as well as Florida Atlantic.
"I am super grateful that I got to watch that game up close and to be on the court and see what was going on in person and it was a cool experience for my parents who were watching it at home," said Ibone.
After the 2023 Men's Final Four, Ibone wanted to get the chance to do something similar, but she didn't necessarily think it was going to be an option. About a month ago, she received a text that a student-athlete was needed to sing the national anthem at this year's Women's Final Four. The senior, who was part of an ensemble in 2023, will be singing the anthem solo this year.
"I would just tell myself to calm down this time, I feel like I have to talk myself out of the anxiety before I even get there, but I know I can do it. I will try to channel all of my anxiety into excitement," Ibone said about the upcoming event.
Although singing is a great talent of hers, Ibone isn't necessarily looking to reach out for more singing opportunities. She will, however, always jump at the opportunity.
"Every time I try to focus on my career instead of singing, an opportunity comes up. God is trying to tell me I need singing in my life. I will never get rid of singing. It's something that I love to do."
Gallery: (4-5-2025) 2025 Women's Final Four
Gallery: (4-2-2025) Madison Ibone Feature
In 2023, when the men's basketball team made its historic run to the NCAA Final Four, Ibone was alongside supporting the Owls in Houston as a member of the cheer team. She was also invited to represent the University by singing the national anthem before the Owls played San Diego State in the national semifinals in front of 74,000 fans at NRG Stadium in Houston -- something she had done, and continues to do, for FAU home games.
Tomorrow night, Ibone will again be singing the national anthem on the national stage – this time before the Women's Final Four tips off at Amalie Arena in Tampa. Quite the dream scenario for the graduating senior from New Jersey.
Ibone has been singing since she was a child. She did theater throughout school but stopped when she got to high school. Singing became more of a hobby for her, something that she would do casually around the house. When asked to perform in 2023 at NRG Stadium, Ibone jumped at the opportunity, despite the nerves of it being her first time singing on such a big stage. It was a monumental moment for her as well as Florida Atlantic.
"I am super grateful that I got to watch that game up close and to be on the court and see what was going on in person and it was a cool experience for my parents who were watching it at home," said Ibone.
After the 2023 Men's Final Four, Ibone wanted to get the chance to do something similar, but she didn't necessarily think it was going to be an option. About a month ago, she received a text that a student-athlete was needed to sing the national anthem at this year's Women's Final Four. The senior, who was part of an ensemble in 2023, will be singing the anthem solo this year.
"I would just tell myself to calm down this time, I feel like I have to talk myself out of the anxiety before I even get there, but I know I can do it. I will try to channel all of my anxiety into excitement," Ibone said about the upcoming event.
Although singing is a great talent of hers, Ibone isn't necessarily looking to reach out for more singing opportunities. She will, however, always jump at the opportunity.
"Every time I try to focus on my career instead of singing, an opportunity comes up. God is trying to tell me I need singing in my life. I will never get rid of singing. It's something that I love to do."
2025 FINAL FOUR GALLERY
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Players Mentioned
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