Madie Gibson's journey began in Cape May, a gem of New Jersey's southern coast, renowned for its picturesque beaches consistently ranked among the finest in the United States. At first glance, her hometown may seem worlds apart from Athlone, a town centrally located in Ireland. Yet, over the past two and a half years, Gibson has formed a deep bond with this midlands gem, enjoying serene walks along the banks of the River Shannon and embracing the local community.

"I think it’s a bit like home," Gibson muses. "I absolutely love it. It feels like my second home. When you stroll around the town, you see familiar faces who always come to support our matches, constantly inquiring about the team. That connection makes you feel embedded in the community, which is crucial. When you step onto the pitch for a cup final at Tallaght, you know exactly who you’re playing for. Every moment in Athlone has been enjoyable for me thus far."

This affection is mirrored in Gibson's footballing performances. The 27-year-old forward has been a standout player in Athlone's title-winning campaign, notching sensational goals including a stunning free-kick in a recent thrilling 3-3 encounter with Shamrock Rovers, and leading the league in assists this season with a total of 10. She has swiftly established herself as one of the premier talents in the domestic league, arriving in Ireland quite by chance.

Following an impressive collegiate career at Monmouth University, a NCAA Division 1 institution where she ranked second all-time in team assists, Gibson pursued her dream of professional football across the Atlantic. This ambition first led her to Europe where she joined FC Gintra, the dominant force in Lithuanian football.

Although her time in Eastern Europe propelled her toward her Champions League aspirations, a journey she will continue with Athlone next season, it wasn’t void of trials. She faced the trials of the Covid-19 pandemic and grappled with a severe ACL injury. After enduring several harsh Baltic winters, she found her way back to New Jersey, where a call from her former Monmouth roommate, Dana Scheriff, changed her path: "Come to Athlone Town."

With Scheriff sidelined by an injury, Athlone sought her talents, prompting Gibson to consider the opportunity given her prior success alongside Scheriff, with whom she clinched three NCAA All-Eastern titles. That was two and a half years ago. Scheriff has since moved on to Brooklyn FC in the States after a short stint in Switzerland, while Gibson, along with former teammate Jessi Rossman, has become an integral part of the fabric of Athlone, aiding in the club’s historic first Women's Premier Division title. Should the team clinch a league and cup double against Shelbourne at Tallaght Stadium this afternoon, Gibson’s attacking prowess will be crucial.

"When I arrived, it was an easy decision; I was looking to restart my career and I wanted to make it work," Gibson recalls. "When Dana reached out, it was a no-brainer. I was fortunate to have an insider’s perspective on the league and the club before I arrived."

"It was tough to watch Dana leave; she was one of my closest friends. Yet, I’m thrilled for her as she evolves as a player, gaining new experiences with different clubs. I was aware it would be different without her here, but I’m focused on achieving my own goals with this club. Our aim was to win everything, and we’ve already secured the league, so the cup is what I’m keen on now."

Though Scheriff's departure stripped Athlone of one of their primary scorers last season, the team has had to deal with challenges, such as losing Northern Ireland international Casey Howe to Notts Forest and battling injuries affecting key players like Chloe Singleton and Kerryanne Browne. Consequently, much responsibility has fallen on Gibson to both create and convert opportunities.

"This season has presented numerous mental challenges for us as a squad. We seemed to lose a player to injury each week. This reliance on younger talent has paid off, as they stepped up when called upon, as did teammates playing out of their regular positions. Despite the setbacks, we’ve rebounded stronger, proving our depth as a team."

Last season, Scheriff harbored hopes that her scoring prowess would catch the eyes of Eileen Gleeson and the Irish management, influenced by her Irish heritage. Though Gibson, born on St. Patrick’s Day, acknowledges she might have some Irish ancestry, she is not eligible to represent the national team.

"Unfortunately, I can’t play for Ireland. None of my grandparents are Irish. However, I’d love the chance; there’s likely a bit of Irish blood somewhere in my lineage if you go back far enough, like nearly every American!"

Growing up near bustling Irish communities in southern New Jersey, Gibson’s initial passion for soccer emerged at just three years old. She also excelled in lacrosse and basketball, scoring over 1,000 points during her high school career while leading Lower Cape May High School to its inaugural South Jersey title in her final season — a season that also saw the soccer team claim the same accolade.

"My aim was to play every sport available, but soccer has been my mainstay for 24 years. My family shares this passion; my mom and sisters have all played. It runs through our veins," explains Gibson, part of a generation that idolized the legendary US women's team that captured three World Cups between 1999 and 2019, particularly one player in particular.

"Mia Hamm has always been my idol, as she has for many American soccer players. She was a central figure in US soccer during my youth, and growing up, we were fortunate to have so many female soccer players to look up to. That wasn’t always the case everywhere else."

Gibson is currently in a relationship with Patrick Hickey of Galway United, another American making strides in the domestic arena. The couple’s shared success was highlighted when both were named Player of the Month simultaneously. "We had to compete a little; I couldn’t let him go without a little rivalry! I’m delighted for him and how well he’s doing with Galway."

As Hickey cheers Gibson and Athlone on in their pursuit of an unprecedented league and cup double this afternoon, A third consecutive final against Shelbourne sees these teams well acquainted. However, Gibson is resolute about finishing this season on a high note. She hopes to avoid another shoot-out after experiencing a missed penalty in last year's final.

"Such things happen in football. I’ve missed more times than I’ve scored, so I don’t dwell on it. I have faith in my teammates; they’ll carry us through. I can take the lead on the spot; once we win, everyone forgets I missed," she chuckles.

Football has taken Madie Gibson on adventures she never imagined while growing up in New Jersey.

"For me, this journey is about the experiences and fulfilling my childhood dream. Soccer has been my passion since I started playing. I’ve been fortunate to pursue this dream post-college. To me, it’s not about the money; it’s about the experiences and the incredible people I meet along the way."

And perhaps, it’s about adding to her collection of silverware and accolades, with more possible this afternoon.