Meet Miss New Mexico: Madyson Kettler

Madyson was crowned Miss New Mexico in June 2025. By September, she was already advocating for the American Heart Association despite a short turnaround for her to be prepared for the Miss American pageant. Madyson attended the New Mexico Heart Walk and plans to be involved in other Association events during her year-long reign.

Madyson is a lifelong dancer who began training at the age of 2. She’s in her fourth season with the New Mexico Ballet Company, where she continues to perform and share her love of movement with audiences.

A recent graduate of the University of New Mexico, Madyson earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and has been accepted to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at the University of New Mexico. As Miss New Mexico, Madyson’s year of service is centered around her initiative Get Going, which focuses on improving the lives of senior adults by encouraging mobility and positive intergenerational engagement.

Madyson is a committed heart-health advocate. Her lifelong dance training has taught her the importance of movement for cardiovascular strength. Additionally, her path toward becoming a physical therapist further supports her mission to keep people active and safe.

The Miss America pageant moved its annual competition date from January to September, meaning newly-crowned state champions didn’t have long to prepare for the competition. Here’s what Madyson had to say about the adventure in Orlando:

Competing at Miss America was one of the most exhausting yet most rewarding experiences of my life. Representing New Mexico on the national stage was truly an honor, and it is an experience I will carry with me forever.

A moment I will never forget was stepping onto the Miss America stage for the very first time during rehearsal. Seeing the empty seats, the lights, and the vastness of the theater made everything feel surreal. After watching Miss America my entire life, standing there as Miss New Mexico felt like a dream come true.

I was also incredibly proud to earn a spot in the front row of the opening number. In all my years of watching Miss America, New Mexico hasn’t often been front and center, so it felt especially meaningful. The audition process for placement felt familiar and exciting, almost like being back in the dance studio, something I’ve known and loved throughout my 19 years of dancing.

But the sweetest part of the entire experience was the overwhelming support I received both in Orlando and back home. Friends, family, and community members rallied behind me in the most heartwarming ways. They hosted good luck parties, organized watch parties, traveled to the competition, sent messages of encouragement and posted the kindest words online. Knowing that so many people believed in me made the experience even more special. I carried that love with me every time I stepped on stage.

My Miss America journey was filled with joy, challenge, connection, and gratitude. It pushed me, shaped me, and inspired me in ways I will never forget. I am so proud to have represented New Mexico with all my heart.