Jamie Lynn Spears’ 16-year-old daughter Maddie is all grown up and headed to college.
The proud mom revealed that Maddie, 16, has committed to a Division 1 university where she plans to play softball.
In an Instagram post shared Nov. 25, Spears, 33, announced, “All in my feels, bc my baby girl has committed to furthering her athletic & academic career at the University of Southern Miss!”
The former Nickelodeon star reflected on becoming a mom at 16 and the public criticism she faced at the time.
“I can remember it like it was just yesterday, as the whole world watched and judged as I made the choice to have my baby at 16 years old,” she continued. “Fast fwd to today, and that same little baby girl is now 16 years old herself announcing that she will be going to play D1 ball for an amazing college.”
The “Sweet Magnolias” star praised her daughter and said she couldn’t “take much credit” for Maddie’s accomplishments. She mentioned that her oldest child, who was involved in a near-fatal ATV crash in 2017, has overcome many obstacles on her own.
“I did everything I could to better myself in order to be the mama she deserved, & to break those generational curses, so they weren’t passed on to her or any future generations,” Spears added.
At the end of her tribute to Maddie, she expressed her love for her daughter and showed support for the University of Southern Mississippi.
“I think her story is a true testament to trusting God’s will & being able to achieve whatever you’re willing to work hard for, and I couldn’t be more proud of her! Love you, Maddie,” she wrote. “GO EAGLES.”
She also included white, black and gold hearts to represent the university’s colors.
Beside the caption, Spears uploaded a series of childhood and current photos of Maddie. The first picture showed the 16-year-old already sporting her University of Southern Mississippi gear and wearing her softball glove. The next photo was a throwback picture of Maddie in 2017 proudly displaying a softball trophy.
Other photos showed Maddie, Spears and her husband, Jamie Watson, on the university’s football field and other spots on campus.
Spears also included a photo of her OK! magazine cover story when she announced Maddie’s birth. “Being a mom is the best feeling in the world,” she gushed to the publication.
The actor shares Maddie with ex-fiancé Casey Aldridge. She has a 6-year-old daughter named Ivey with Watson, as well.