How PR Student, Madison Vollmer Brings Big Energy to Spartan Hockey’s Munnsters
As student-section leader, Vollmer blends her passion for public relations and Spartan hockey to energize the Munn Crowd during home games
By: Taylor Kehoe
For many Michigan State University Spartans, hockey games are all about cheering, chants and school pride. For Madison Vollmer, a public relations major and student-section leader for the “Munnsters,” it’s about creating big energy and keeping it alive from puck drop to the final horn.
Vollmer joined the Munnsters her freshman year after connecting with upperclassmen involved in the group. Growing up in a Colorado Avalanche household, hockey was always part of her life.
“I loved hockey growing up” Vollmer said. “Watching the section leaders, I thought, this is something I could really see myself doing.”
As a section leader, Vollmer plays a key role in preparing for game days. She arrives two hours before puck drop, helping organize chants, plan social media content and lead one of the Munnsters’ favorite traditions, writing and printing “insult” newspapers aimed at the opposing teams.
“It’s our favorite tradition,” she said. “You’re kind of poking fun at other college students; it’s all part of the game.”
When the team struggles or the crowd quiets, Vollmer says it’s up to the section leaders to keep the energy high.
“If it’s quiet, it falls on us to get the energy up,” she said. “We remind everyone that one game doesn’t define the season. The Munnsters still care and we’re still loud.”
The effort doesn’t go unnoticed. Postseason games at Munn have drawn massive student turnouts, with some fans even lining up at midnight to get into the next day’s game.
“You’re chanting on a cowbell in front of 6,500 fans,” Vollmer said. “It’s thrilling, it feels like one big community.”
Her role with the Munnsters has also influenced her academic and career path. Originally an environmental economics major, Vollmer switched to public relations after realizing how much she enjoyed the creative and promotional side of sports.
“Being a section leader opened my eyes to sports marketing and communication,” she said. “It’s brought me so many opportunities.”
Her time on campus has continued to shape that passion. Vollmer points to her PR 300: Public Relations Theory and Ethics, a social media class instrumental in helping her strengthen the Munnsters’ Instagram and think more strategically about how brands adapt their presence to reach the right audiences. It’s a framework that now guides much of her work with the student section.
When asked what advice she’d give future Munnsters, Vollmer smiled.
“Just do it,” she said. “You don’t have to know everything about hockey, just show your passion for MSU sports. It’s fun but it’s also a job that helps you grow.”
For Vollmer, fueling Spartan spirit isn’t just about game day energy; it’s about building community, creativity and pride that lasts long after the final buzzer.
To learn more about the Munnsters, check out Munnsters’ rise reflects Adam Nightingale’s MSU hockey revival – The State News.
