When it comes to the national anthem, it seems Windsor sporting events usually have a recording of the song to play to the audience. While there is nothing wrong with that practice, it is nice to have a student actually sing the song before games.

It now appears Windsor has found a singer that will make Windsor fans appreciate her vocals for the next four years. Freshman Terra Spradling sang at three lower level football games this fall.

However, performing is nothing new for Spradling. In fact, Spradling’s first public performance was at her fifth grade talent show.

“I’ve been singing since I was two. I sing a lot in my free time, but not a lot in public,” she said.

When she first sang at a football game in September, the spectators gave Spradling a huge round of applause.

“It was one of the best renditions of the national anthem I have ever heard. It was impressive,” teacher Jeff Stoffey said.

When Spradling performed the national anthem for the second time this fall, she struggled. With both teams ready to play a few minutes early, Spradling had to get to the press box in a hurry.

“I ran up the bleachers into the press box to sing the national anthem, but when I got up there, I was completely out of breath. I could barely sing, and my voice cracked a ton. That was definitely my most embarrassing moment,” Spradling said.

Unlike some in her situation, Spradling was able to finish the song strong.For some student singers, this may have been the end of their national anthem singing career.  Instead of taking a step back from singing the anthem, Spradling came back the very next week to sing it again.

“I was amazed that she was not afraid to get back in there and sing. She did a fantastic job once again,” Stoffey said.

There are plenty of redemption stories in professional sports –a home run after a torn achilles, a game-winning 3 pointer, a game-saving goal– but how often do artists redeem themselves?

Spradling was pleased with her recovery performance.

Spradling said, “It was good. I did what I should have done. When something like that happens, you just have to do you what you need to do; never give up.”