Naturally reserved but always ready to lead, Senior libero, Maddie Metcalf has the get up and go attitude that helps lead her team to victory again and again. Maddie has learned the fine art of balancing her academic, athletic, and social life.
What do you plan to study in college? I plan to study Biology at Temple University.
How did you get started with volleyball? In 6th grade, my middle school held a volleyball clinic for anyone interested in trying out for the team. Despite my busy schedule with other sports and after some convincing from a close friend of mine, I decided to attend the clinic. It only took an hour of playing for me to realize that I wanted to take volleyball seriously. A few weeks later I signed up to play my first season of club volleyball.
Who is your most influential role model and why? The most influential person in my life is my dad. His countless sacrifices and unwavering belief in me have shaped me into the person I am today. Through his example, I have learned the importance of hard work and discipline in striving for what I want to achieve in life. He has taught me how to overcome hardship and find the bright side to any challenges I face. Whether in the classroom or on the volleyball court, his support has pushed me to give my best effort in everything I do. His guidance throughout my life is evident in the little things: waking up early to drive me to tournaments, staying up late to help me study for exams, and simply offering words of encouragement when I needed them most. Because of him, I strive to lead by example, just as he has. I aim to be a source of encouragement for my teammates, to support others through challenges, and to face my own challenges with integrity and grit.
“No matter what happens, have fun on the court and believe in yourself and your abilities.“
Maddie Metcalf
What is your proudest moment in volleyball so far? I would consider my senior season at Bishop Shanahan to be my proudest moment in my volleyball career so far. Having the privilege to lead as a captain and be a part of such a special team for my last year of high school is something that I will forever be grateful for. With the other teams in our district thinking it was another “rebuilding year”, it was a great feeling to prove them wrong and make a run all the way to the state quarterfinals. I am very proud of all my teammates’ hard work this past season and thankful I had the opportunity to end my high school career in such a successful season.
What’s your pre-game routine? Before every game, I enjoy eating my pre-game meal with my teammates which is often a chicken-Caesar wrap. Then, I do my hair with my same lucky red hair tie before going through my regular stretching routine. I like to listen to calming music before I play to help settle any nerves and take time to envision how I am going to play. Lastly, I’ll usually have a pre-game dance party with my team before it’s time to play.
How do you handle pressure during crucial matches? To handle pressure, I just remember to keep breathing. Making sure to take deep breaths helps to calm my nerves especially after making a mistake. Although it is hard, I try my best to not beat myself up after an error so I can keep my confidence and move on to the next point. Celebrating with my teammates also helps me to loosen up and manage pressure, because I always play better when I’m having fun.
What key advice would you give to a young aspiring player? The best advice I can give to a young aspiring player is to never be too hard on yourself. Volleyball is a very mental game; you need to maintain your focus to overcome your mistakes and don’t let your mind dwell on a few bad plays. It’s important to stay confident in your abilities and remember the reason why you play is because you love the sport of volleyball and competing alongside your teammates. Everyone will go through their highs and lows, but no matter what happens, have fun on the court and believe in yourself and your abilities.
How do you balance athletics with academics? To balance athletics and academics I try my best to get ahead in my schoolwork and create a calendar filled with everything I have to accomplish. Staying organized with a busy schedule and planning out all the work I need to complete allows me to succeed on the court and in the classroom.
What would most people be surprised to learn about you? I think if someone saw me cheering and screaming for the first time on the volleyball court, they would be very surprised to learn that I typically have a quiet demeanor and I’m more of a reserved person.
What are three activities you enjoy outside of volleyball? Some activities I enjoy outside of volleyball include going to the beach, playing pickleball and spending time with my friends and family.
Night owl or morning person? I am more of a morning person, and I don’t like sleeping in.