Madison Allen '20 Recruiting Profile

What details of your life have influenced who you are?

My family has definitely influenced who I am as a person.   My parents and siblings are very dedicated and hard working, and their dedication to their passions inspire me. I have two older siblings.  Watching them grow up, overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, taught me all about inner-personal strength.  Both of my parents were student-athletes and college graduates.  They are highly motivated and driven people which helped them to compete and succeed as student athletes.  These traits were instilled in me as a young child so that I could thrive and succeed in life. Their advice on life experiences, along with strong family core values, have given me the confidence and wisdom to compete and try new things.  They taught me the importance of good character and the value of giving back to society.

What are your Collegiate goals and aspirations?

Striving for excellence on and off the court, with a purpose of adding value, is important to me.  Finding a collegiate, volleyball program that pushes athletes to their fullest potential on the court, while supporting academic growth and performance in the classroom, is my number one goal.  I also want an athletics program that has a lot of school spirit!  I want to represent my school well; I want to be a role model for future, student athletes.  Also, I’d like to remain involved with my college and its volleyball program as an Alumni, providing assistance, whether it be in academics, athletics, health advice, or all of the above.

What are your academic goals for college?

My academic goals in college are to study in a field that excites me, one that offers insight on health and athletics, and study it wholeheartedly and proficiently.  Although most of my life has revolved around volleyball, I am also aware that college is a place to learn and succeed academically.  I want to participate in my school’s functions, be involved, maintain an exceptional GPA and make memories that I will cherish for a life time.

When and how did you become interest in your sport?

I became interested in volleyball when I was six years old.  My sister played volleyball and I’d often watch her practice and play in tournaments.  Her position was also libero, and inevitably, she started to teach me the basics.  When I got better and older, she would hit balls to me in our backyard, so I could practice retrieving them.  That’s where my unbreakable defense and love for volleyball started.

What have you learned about yourself through playing your sport?

Through playing my sport, I have learned that I do very well under a set schedule, and when I manage my time wisely.   Even the most strenuous of schedules can be manageable if you are productive with your free time.  As a student-athlete, I have come to value the importance of good time management skills, planning ahead, and being prepared, as the key components for success on the court and in the classroom.

How are you different from other recruits in character, athletics, and academics?

I believe that I am potentially different from other recruits because I am always willing to improve and learn.  If someone says I can do better, I accept their insight with grace and as a challenge,  asking  how?  I believe giving 100% in practice physically, as well as mentally, committed to the task of getting better, is imperative.  Taking ownership of my play is my responsibility.  Getting the job done on the court for me is a priority. I  take pride in my work ethic and in my commitment to my team. I have come to realize, a player’s good work ethic can directly influence their teammates .  It  can push them to do better and up their level of play as well.  It is a way to lead your team to get better by example.  I believe that championships won, are won first in practice.  Winning championships are the direct reflection of how hard teams train and commit to winning as a team..

What unique characteristics or skills do you possess?  Why are you a good candidate for the team?

I am 5’9” with a wide wingspan (reach)  and quick reflexes.  This helps me reach and retrieve difficult hits and serves.  I have a solid platform and strong core, which aids me in controlling fast, hard digs, keeping the ball playable for my teammates.  I believe that I possess the key attributes for the libero position.  Defensively, I use my size and speed, accurate passing, and ability to anticipate ball play to my advantage.  Offensively, I am a consistent server, especially under pressure, and can also execute hits from the back row position if needed.  I am also very proficient in following the ball’s sometimes erratic movement, allowing me to figure out whether the ball is short, in or out.  I am seen as a tenacious player, with a won’t quit attitude, a playmaker, momentum changer, and a teammate that can energize the team.

Have you had to overcome any obstacles to get to where you are?

An obstacle that I had to overcome was being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes during my second year of volleyball, when I was nine.  It was a very scary and shocking moment in my life, but quitting volleyball wasn’t even a thought in my mind.  Learning to manage my physical and mental health at an early age has empowered me as an athlete.  Not only did I educate myself on the proper ways to take care of myself, but I also learned how to thrive and compete at the highest level athletically, despite my condition.