Columbus State University News

D.C. internship defines career path for spring poli sci grad, CSU soccer standout

May 20, 2026

A young woman with long brown hair smiles over her shoulder while standing on a grassy lawn. She is wearing a short white eyelet dress with an open back. In the background, the United States Capitol dome and building are visible under a bright sky, partially framed by a large tree trunk on the left.

In 2022, when Madelynn Neace took the field as a defender for the Columbus State University Women’s Soccer team, she was already building the endurance and tactical skills she would later apply to her aspirations for a career in government affairs. Over the past four years, her dual roles as a student-athlete and future policy professional have shaped her career path.

The Newnan, Georgia, native, Newnan High School graduate and recent political science graduate spent the final semester of her senior year in Washington, D.C., pursuing that path. With the help of a Thayer Scholarship that helped cover some of her living expenses, she interned at Troutman Strategies, the government affairs division of Troutman Pepper, an AmLaw 50 firm. This invaluable experience aligned with her career goal of securing a future professional communications role on Capitol Hill.

“My long-term career goal is to work in healthcare policy in a lobbying capacity, where I can advocate for policies that improve access, outcomes and equity within the healthcare system,” she explained. “I am particularly interested in the connection between policy development, communication and real-world impact, and in contributing to legislation that meaningfully improves people’s lives.”

Troutman Strategies is known for navigating the complexities of government at both the federal and state levels. For Neace, the internship provided an up-close view of legislative research and policy analysis, involving tracking federal legislation and regulatory updates. Whether monitoring bills in committees or preparing briefing materials for clients, she operated at the intersection of law and public policy.

Neace collaborated daily with experienced government affairs professionals, learning how to develop partnerships and coalitions to achieve policy objectives. This experience enhanced her career-readiness, making it easier for her to adapt to new professional settings after she graduates.

Five people stand in a line smiling for a photo indoors against a wall with a plaque that reads "REPRESENTATIVE Earl L. 'Buddy' Carter". From left to right: a woman in a red blazer and black pants; a woman in a brown and white striped dress with a black coat; a man in a grey suit; a man wearing glasses, a black suit jacket, and a name badge giving a thumbs-up; and a man in a blue blazer, khaki pants, and a tie.Neace’s work with Troutman Strategies included frequent visits with federal legislators, including U.S. Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter of Georgia’s 1st Congressional District.


“Working in a fast-paced environment pushed me to manage competing priorities, communicate clearly and professionally, and stay detail-oriented in everything I do,” she explained. “It also taught me the importance of being proactive and reliable in a team setting.”

Early in her internship, Neace briefed Columbus State President Stuart Rayfield during Rayfield’s visit to Washington, D.C., to meet with members of the university’s federal congressional delegation. Neace’s counsel left a strong impression on Rayfield.

“This is the experience we want all our students to have to extend what they are learning in the classroom into real-world, career-relevant professional settings,” Rayfield reflected. “To have the opportunity to be prepped by one of our own students alongside mentors like the Troutman team—this is what internships are all about.”

Exceling in the classroom, on the field

Naturally, the experience of being in the thick of a Washington, D.C.-based internship for a semester fostered her career aspirations. She also credited her academic courses—especially those focused on American government and public policy—with giving her a solid foundation and preparing her for her internship. Additionally, research papers and writing-focused assignments enhanced her critical thinking and communication skills, which proved vital in a professional setting.

Being a collegiate soccer player also played a formative role in her college and professional development, teaching her “…discipline, time management and how to perform under pressure while balancing academics, athletics, and other responsibilities,” she explained. “It also strengthened my teamwork and leadership skills, as well as my ability to communicate effectively and support others.”

A group of female soccer players smile and pose together on a field at night under stadium lights. Most are wearing red jerseys that say "COUGARS," while one wears a yellow goalkeeper jersey. They are holding up a large sign designed to look like a ticket that reads, "NCAA DII SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIPS, 2024 TICKET PUNCHED, SECTION 12 ROW 7 SEAT 24."

Playing college soccer was the culmination of her efforts since she began dribbling a ball in pre-K. As a student-athlete at Columbus State, Neace excelled both academically and athletically. She regularly made the Athletics Department’s list of 4.0 GPA student-athletes and was recognized on the Peach Belt Conference’s All-Academic Team for maintaining at least a 3.6 GPA. During her four years on the Columbus State Women’s Soccer team, she contributed to four Peach Belt Tournament and four NCAA Division II Tournament appearances, earning four Peach Belt Conference titles and securing four consecutive NCAA Tournament berths. Notably, she helped advance the team to the Final Four in 2022 and 2024.

Neace’s next steps include returning to D.C. for a summer congressional internship with Georgia U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk. She expects the postgraduate internship to be crucial as she continues to explore professional roles in public service and policy. As she hangs up her well-worn cleats—and her newly framed Columbus State degree—her experience offers CSU students a model for combining classroom knowledge and hands-on learning to develop practical professional skills.

Media contact:  Michael Tullier, APR