Madi Miller, a senior on Shadow Ridge’s Varsity Volleyball Team has been playing volleyball since she was 10 years old. She is currently playing her 24’-25’ school season before she leaves the Ridge and starts club season in November.
Miller is the definition of hard work. She practices every day of the week from 2:00-4:30 pm for school and takes private sessions with her club coach at Impact Volleyball Club.
Miller comments, “I do private lessons with Coach Bug. I usually do them two times a week or whenever I am free. I love private lessons because I can focus on improving myself and my technique at my own pace.”
Her main position on the court has been setter. She enjoys being able to set her teammates up for a great play.
She states, “The position of setter is super underrated because setters control the game. I love seeing my hitters bang out and I love feeling everyone’s energy.”
As an athlete, bodies can take a toll with one’s physical health, it is imperative for athletes to stay as healthy as possible. Miller has been successful in keeping her body in good shape and healthy for the sport.
She mentions, “I am so incredibly lucky to have not gotten serious injuries from volleyball. Of course I’ve had sprains, bruises, aches, pains, and even a numb knee for about three years now, but luckily and surprisingly, nothing major, which I am incredibly grateful for.”
It is also important to stay in good mental health, many athletes grow tired or frustrated in their sport when they are having a bad day or experiencing a difficult growth period. Miller ensures that her teammates are staying mentally strong while on and off the court.
Miller exclaims, “My favorite thing about being a varsity captain would be that I have the opportunity to lift my teammates up. I know that sometimes a smile or high five can change the entire day for me so it feels good knowing that I can have the impact to do that for someone else, and influence others to have that positive energy too.”
Some people who have pushed Miller to keep going in her volleyball career have been herself, her older brothers, her coaches, and her parents.. They have all influenced her in some way and continue to do so today.
Miller stated, “My older brothers also played so it was fun having something in common with them. Now I look back at the younger version of myself who loved it and saw a future in it, and she pushes me to keep going.”
As she has progressed through the sport she has been thankful for everyone who has supported her while she has made her way to the top, not only herself and her family, but her coaches as well.
“During school season, Coach Kylee was there for me and always picked me back up. She was a huge mentor on and off the court and she always knew just what to say,” adds Miller.
She went through a stage where she wanted to stop playing volleyball for a while and Coach Bug helped her move through those emotions. Coach Bug was able to convince Miller that her sport could bring her happiness and positive relationships.
Miller says, “I hated everything to do with volleyball and I just wanted to be done, but she kept working with me and gave me the best pep talks. She was there to remind me that volleyball can be fun and people can be kind.”
Shannon Alia, Head Volleyball Coach at Shadow Ridge has the benefit of coaching Miller, as Alia enjoys Miller’s dedication to working hard, her compassion to the sport, as well as her leadership skills.
“Madi is one of the hardest workers in the gym, and always keeps a positive attitude. Watching her play is so fun, she gets so excited for her teammates’ successes and that is why she is an amazing captain. Her work ethic is contagious and the younger players really look up to her,” Alia comments.
