Madeline Wilcox '15 Recruiting Profile

    I’ve been playing volleyball since I was 11. I’ve gone from playing middle in my early years to becoming a setter and opposite hitter in my later years. Learning a new position is always tough, but with my determination not only was I able to learn the positions but succeed in them.
    I’ve played club since seventh grade, but I made the switch to the national level my freshman year of high school. I started as middle on the CVA 15 National Red team. We were able to win Power Leagues up in Maumee, OH, and was invited to an extra tournament at the end of the season that we had to decline. I gained skills I would have never gained at the regional level while playing the fast-paced games at the national level, like handling pressure situations and developing leadership skills. I took these skills to Elite Volleyball Club on the 16 National Black team. We were able to win Silver and come in 17th at Big South in the American division and also earn 9th place at the Northern Lights Qualifier, also in the American division. This year I decided to move down to the American level not because I wanted a break, but because I felt my opportunities were greater by playing for the Kaepa Buckeye American Red team. The team I’m on now allows me to play middle, right side, setter, and even serve receive at some points. Even though we’re American, we are still going to the MEQ. The skills I’ve gained from volleyball have also come through school.
    Being a four year varsity letter, I have obtained leadership skills that many people who haven’t been on varsity as long don’t have. My junior year, we were second in our conference, won sectionals, and were runner-ups in districts. Being in many intense games last season has taught me not only how to lead by words but by example.
    Besides volleyball, I also do many activities outside of school. I train two to three times a week at Power Performance in order to increase my vertical and overall shape. My vertical has increased 3.5” to 9’7”, and my block jump has increased 4” to 9’5” in the past four months. I am also an active member of Junior Cabinet, planning events like prom and fundraising for the school. I was invited into National Honor Society, and I’ve volunteered much of my time to my city. I have participated in Meals on Wheels, volunteered at the homeless shelter and at school events, and I accept any other volunteering opportunities that come my way. I also love traveling and volunteering in different countries. Over the Summer before my Junior year of high school, I went to Europe with the People to People Ambassador Program. I traveled to France, Italy, and Greece over a three week period. I learned about the different countries and also helped with volunteer projects. In Greece, I helped repaint and clean the entrance to a small town. I also stayed with a home-stay family in Italy for three days and helped them with daily chores, along with doing some fun activities along with way. Going on this trip helped me obtain a different perspective of different countries around the world.
    I’ve maintained good grades. I’ve taken many AP, IB, and Honors classes in order to challenge myself throughout high school. I’ve been the editor of the yearbook since my sophomore year. Freshman year I received the OCC Journalism Award in yearbook for having the best spread and I’m receiving the same award as a junior. Academics are really important to me, which is why I’ve maintained my 4.2 GPA. Even though I received a 24/36 on my ACT, I’m working with a CollegeSmiths to help me bring up my score that will accurately reflect my skills and intellect.
    Although a lot of young women hope to play volleyball in college, I realize that there are a limited number of opportunities and not everyone will reach that goal. I hope my preparation will set me apart from the crowd.