Madison Schmidt '22 Recruiting Profile

I started playing volleyball in the 7th grade,  one of my middle school teachers told me to try out because he thought I would be good at it. I was skeptical, but, I though to my young 7th grade self, what is the worst thing that can happen? With no risk comes no reward, so  I tried out for the team , and made it. I fell in instantly! I loved the atmosphere and the competitiveness, the opportunity to grow as a person and athlete, but to also grow as a teammate and team as a whole. Volleyball has given me so much more then friends and teammates though, The game has help me learn to work hard, fight in the face of adversity, to be persistent and be diligent in improving myself and my circumstance, but most importantly volleyball has taught me to be confident in myself.  Being a student athlete has been challenging between, AP courses, volleyball and trying to balance a social life I have defiantly learned my priorities and my limits. Being a student athlete has also helped me face difficult situations head on, and learned how to advocate for myself and those around me while learning how to manage my time.

I want to play college volleyball because I have a passion and respect for the game. I want to continue to push myself to be the best that I can be, and I have fun while I'm playing.  On the court I can be loud and fun and work hard all at the same time, volleyball gives me a space to be unapologetically me , and also allows me to grow, learn, and support the people around me.  I strive to get better and be positive every time I step on the court, because that way not only do I improve my skills, but I can also become the teammate that my team needs me to be. Frank Sinatra once said, " The big lesson in life, baby, never be scared of anyone or anything." and to me that means don't be afraid to try and fail, because with failure, hardship, and opposition provides opportunities for growth.