Former Berks Catholic Standout Madison Langdon Adjusts to College Game at Randolph-Macon

Madison Langdon built her reputation at Berks Catholic High School as one of the program’s most reliable and versatile guards.

By the time she graduated, she had scored 1,247 career points — third-most in school history — while developing into a primary ball handler and leader for the Saints.

Madison Langdon during her freshman season at Randolph-Macon. (Photo courtesy of the Langdon family)

Now, she’s taken the first step in translating that success to the college level.

Langdon played in all 29 games as a freshman at Randolph-Macon College, starting nine, while averaging 16.3 minutes and 3.7 points per game for a Yellow Jackets team that won 21 games and reached the NCAA Division III Tournament.

“I would say the biggest adjustment for me was the increase of intensity at the collegiate level," Langdon said. "Some of the more notable examples being the change in pace and learning a more complex playbook and balancing responsibilities at two positions.”

After ending her career in high school as a player with the ball in her hands more often than not, she carved out a role for head coach Lindsay Burke-Eberhart's Yellow Jackets by being versatile and willing to play the two.

“She came in with a growth mindset and was ready when her number was called,” Burke-Eberhart said. “She’s super coachable, and what really impressed me was her ability to do a little bit of everything — defend, score, and handle the ball. She was ready to go right away.”

When Langdon committed to Randolph-Macon, she was drawn to a program built on chemistry, work ethic, and consistent winning. She's now a part of those standards.

The Yellow Jackets once again positioned themselves among the top teams in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, advancing to the ODAC championship game and earning a second straight NCAA Tournament berth.

Madison Langdon and her Jackets teammates celebrating a W. (Photo courtesy of the Langdon family)

Langdon earned minutes immediately and remained a consistent presence in the rotation throughout the season, navigating the typical highs and lows of a freshman campaign.

“She had the roller coaster that a lot of freshmen go through,” Burke-Eberhart said. “There were times she played more, times she played less, started some games, didn’t start others. But she learned a ton and really improved as the season went on.”

One of her early milestones came in a win over Gettysburg, when she made her first collegiate start. That moment that still stands out among her freshman experiences.

“My favorite college moment was our big win against Gettysburg," Langdon said. "That was my first college start and in the beginning of the year when all my family and friends came to see me play in my first college game.”

Langdon had seven points, four rebounds, an assist, and two steals against the Bullets, who were ranked No. 24 at the time. The Jackets won 63-53. It was the sixth game of the season for Randolph-Macon and Langdon recognized she had what it takes to be successful at the college level. The confidence continued to grow from there.

“As a freshman, you second guess everything because it’s all brand new,” Burke-Eberhart said. “I think her confidence is going to grow exponentially, and she’ll come back next season feeling much more settled in.”

Langdon letting a 3 fly during her freshman season at Randolph-Macon. (Photo courtesy of the Langdon family)

Langdon said that growth came through daily work and preparation, a work ethic she has possessed since she was at Berks Catholic.

“We had an intense preseason filled with lots of hard work that we continued to add on to everyday," Langdon said. "I was lucky to have an amazing guard coach, Coach Payton [Cronen] who really built my confidence this season. I would say every practice and game I continued to adjust and grow my confidence as the season went on.”

Even when her role didn’t always show up in the box score, Langdon focused on impacting the game in controllable ways.

“My focus this season was to provide my team with the things stats may not cover," she said. "I would say I grew my defensive game from high school to college. Bringing hustle, energy, and 100% effort are all things I can control no matter what the day or game.”

That mindset showed up in key moments and culminated on the national stage. In Randolph-Macon’s NCAA Tournament loss to Otterbein, Langdon scored seven points on 3-of-4 shooting in 15 minutes off the bench, knocking down a third-quarter 3-pointer for the Jackets' only points in the quarter as they tried to fend off an Otterbein run.

She also gained experience in the ODAC championship game, logging meaningful minutes in both postseason contests. Those experiences as freshman will only help as her career progresses.

“It was such an incredible experience and puts all the hard-work and sacrifice you put into the season worth it," Langdon said. "Traveling with my team and competing in these tournaments are the moments you'll always remember and are motivated to get back to that same atmosphere.”

“To get that kind of experience as a freshman is huge,” Burke-Eberhart said. “Next time she’s in those moments, it won’t feel new. She’ll be able to rely on what she’s already been through.”

Looking ahead to next season, Langdon is already focused on taking the next step.

“Going into next season I plan to focus on improving my finishes and increasing consistency in my 3-point shooting,” she said.

With a full offseason and a year of experience at both guard positions, her role is expected to expand. Burke-Eberhart sees a player whose versatility will continue to grow within the program.

“She’s going to have experience at both the point guard and two guard positions,” she said. “She has a knack for scoring, and I think she’s going to be a really versatile player for us in the future.”

Back in Berks County, Langdon’s journey is still being followed closely and she hasn’t lost sight of what got her there.

“My first year as a college athlete has been great!" she said. "Playing basketball and competing continues to bring a smile to my face everyday. I continue to compete and work hard because to be great and to put yourself in positions to play in your first conference championship and participate in the NCAA tournament you have to work hard and believe in yourself.

"The joy is in the journey and I'm so lucky to be surrounded by a great group of girls and amazing coaching staff to make my first college season so special.”