Volleyball - Wilson 8th Grade

Maddie worked throughout the summer at a few volleyball camps, prepping for tryouts in August.

We were thrilled when she texted that she made the team! We quickly started practices - their first game was less than a week away. 

We were blessed to have a professional photographer at our first game. He shared his pictures and they are great!

A great play in motion - Maddie is #5 in the back row.

Quick huddle after Maddie served an Ace.

Due to an injury, Maddie was asked to set for one of the matches during a tournament in Sterling. The team's backup setter was gone that day, so Maddie (who doesn't typically practice as setter) stepped in. It proved difficult due to lack of practice with the team, but she did a good job.

After playing in every game of Winter Club Ball as the Setter, it was an adjustment to only play back row. She is always trying to learn more about each position, always watching and learning. Unfortunately, she learned the hard way at times. Dropped balls that should've been hers, not in the right spot at different times. She is her hardest critic and will only learn and improve from these errors. As a mom, it is hard to watch our kids fail, but I know that she will only improve from these mistakes.

Geneseo Match - we lost the first game, won the second game. During the 3rd (tie-breaker game), Maddie wasn't playing. We were down 14-13 - our serve. Coach subbed in Maddie to serve (I love that Coach has faith in Maddie with her serves). Talk about stressful! She was successful with her serve and after a few ties and match points, we came away with the win!

Here is Maddie, helping warm up the 7th grade girls before their match.

Maddie learned this serve while scoring a high school tournament a few weeks before. She used this serve during the previous game against Washington and was very successful. Low line drive hit, just clearing the net with lots of power. Not as successful during the 2nd game - a few went in to the net or out. She will have to work on that serve a bit more.

Every home game, the 7th grade girls "welcome" the 8th grade girls into the gym.

Our last game of the season is always played against our crosstown rival, John Deere. It is also the "Pink Out" game - a fundraiser.

Going in to the Pink Out game, we were already confirmed Conference Champs. After winning the first two games against John Deere, we were officially undefeated in Conference play as well! 14-0!!

We finished the match by playing out the 3rd game. Maddie played this game and served a half dozen serves - showing off her jump serve. She practiced this serve off and on the past year (in practice) but was never comfortable trying it during a game. It was the perfect time to put her practice to use! She did a great job!

What a great season! Lots of exciting matches - some domination and some comebacks. The girls learned to work together and it showed. We hope Maddie is able to try out for the high school team and given the opportunity to play and continue to grow. Until then, we get ready for Winter Club Ball!