Personal Statement
My name is Madeline Roat and I have shown commitment to the sport of volleyball since 2007 and plan to play in college as well. I started playing competitively in fourth grade for the Frederick Recreational League and have played club ball ever since. I have always been an athletic person and enjoy other sports as well. Before volleyball, I played soccer and basketball.
In 2012, I tried out for USA Volleyball and was selected for a camp. I really enjoyed the experience and learned a lot. I also tried out in 2013 and was selected as an alternate for a camp. My dad plays volleyball and has competed in the senior Olympics for the past two years. His team won gold in Houston, Texas in 2012. Many in my family on my dad’s side play volleyball. When I visit the Cincinnati area in the summer, I play beach volleyball at Setters and Grand Sands. I also played beach volleyball in the ‘First Rites’ tournament in Rehoboth, Delaware for the past 5 years as well as other local outdoor tournaments.
Playing at the beach and in local grass volleyball tournaments has helped sharpen my skills for high school and club season. I am athletic and very quick on the court. I am capable of reading the court for ball placement and can anticipate incoming hits. I think my outdoor experience playing doubles and triples has helped better my court reading skills and reaction capabilities. Also, I currently play with my oldest sister on the Frederick County Recreational League Adult Co-Ed Volleyball League.
I have played on the varsity team for my school since my freshman year and am the Varsity Team Captain. I made the county all-area team during my Junior, Sophmore and Senior years, and received an honorable mention during my freshman year. I was also awarded a certificate for academic excellence for all four years.
I have excellent ball control whether serving, hitting, setting or defending. I am in my third year of strength training class for volleyball. While I am an outside hitter, my club coach for the 2014 season ran a 6-2 rotation and I furthered my skills as a setter. I finished my Senior year with an averaged a team-high of 4.61 kills and 2.33 digs, and a career total of 679 kills, 279 digs and 138 aces.
I love to play volleyball and have fun on the court. My best experiences have been with a team that is serious about the game but still has fun and truly enjoys the game.