Clemson gymnast Madison Minner leaps toward her future
When Madison Minner ’25 was a young girl growing up in nearby Anderson, South Carolina, she had two dreams: being a competitive gymnast and attending her beloved Clemson University. At the time, she thought those two dreams could not coexist because there was no gymnastics program at the University. But in 2021, just one day after crossing the stage at her high school graduation, she learned that Clemson had announced the addition of varsity women’s gymnastics to their athletics programs. Like a graduation gift from above, Minner could now pursue both her dreams.
And she has not looked back since.
Her ability to attend the school of her choice was made possible through another gift: scholarships from generous donors who established a legacy of giving that is still changing students’ lives today. The Mary Katherine Littlejohn Scholarship and the Homer E. McConnell Jr. ’52 and Peggy W. McConnell Endowed Scholarship are both planned gifts that allow deserving students like Minner to attend their dream college without the burden of financial stress. This support has allowed Minner to balance her busy academic schedule with a rigorous training routine as a member of the Clemson Gymnastics team.
Minner has played a vital role in quickly elevating Clemson Gymnastics into the national spotlight. She has earned rare 9.9 scores on both the floor and the vault, and she has scored a 9.8 or higher in all appearances on the floor. Minner attributes this success to the dedication of her coaches, who regularly sacrifice their time to accommodate each athlete’s schedule. When one of Minner’s classes interfered with the team’s scheduled workout time, the coaches were willing to adapt, arriving early in the morning to personally train her. She believes their commitment behind the scenes empowered the team to achieve an NCAA Tournament appearance in its first season.
Minner’s work ethic on the gymnastics floor is matched by her dedication in the classroom. She was recently named to the 2024 ACC All-Academic team while pursuing a degree in biological sciences. After graduation, Minner has another dream waiting in the wings. With plans to apply to Clemson’s new Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine, she aspires to be a part of the first graduating class and address the growing need for large-animal veterinarians in South Carolina.
The scholarship support Minner has received encourages her to give back as much was given to empower her.
“I am so grateful to each donor for their support and the significant impact they’ve had on my life,” she said. “I am inspired by and deeply appreciate the sacrifices others have made for me to attend Clemson. Their example motivates me to help others any way I can.”