NCSA caught up with volleyball standout Madeline Gergen about her high school career and the opportunity to compete at the college level.
NCSA: What have you gained from playing sports in high school (teamwork, the importance of hard work)?
Gergen: I have gained a lot from playing on a sports team in high school. Some of the things I learned are leadership, teamwork and the importance of relationships between myself and each and everyone of my teammates. I have learned to be a hard worker at everything I do. Having these traits has affected my life in school both with working hard, and with having good relationships with my teachers. You should put all effort out all the time!
NCSA: Tell us a little bit about your high school coach. What is s/he like, what does s/he teach you, what’s the toughest part of working with him/her and what have you learned from them?
Gergen: My high school Coach Mr. Fernandes and his Assistant Matty Robins are both spectacular coaches. Mr. Fernandes is all about winningbut having fun at the same time. He makes a big impact on our high school team. One thing he always tells us is to be close with one another and to have good relationships with each other. He teaches us the game, to be smart and to play hard. When you get a set that is off you don’t have to hit it but be smart with it.
NCSA: Who’s your role model and why?
Gergen: My role model is a senior on last year’s team, Amanda Ostapow. She was the setter on my team last year. Osta was a major team player and got us up when we were down. She made cheers, played her butt off even is she was sick or hurt, and always gave 100% effort. I want to be someone like Ostapow: loud, energetic and with a huge impact on my team.
NCSA: At what age did you start playing your sport? Have you ever had to choose between it and another sport or activity?
Gergen: I started playing volleyball at age 11 in sixth grade. In ninth grade I had to choose between soccer and volleyball. I chose volleyball because I just love the sport.
NCSA: What is your favorite and also what is your least favorite classes in school and why?
Gergen: My favorite class in school is math. I think it is very easy and fun. My least favorite subject is history. It is not very entertaining.
NCSA: What are you looking for in a college? Do you have your heart set on a major, a certain size of school, type of student body?
Gergen: I am looking for a team (volleyball) to play with and have fun in college. I am looking for a good education as well. My heart is not set on the size of the school yet, nor the type of student body.
