Maddie Found Her Sport - Volleyball!

Volleyball is offered as a 7th & 8th grade sport at Wilson. Maddie fell in love with the game during her 6th grade year and inundated herself with everything volleyball. She watched volleyball YouTube videos, asked numerous questions (many discussions with the 7th grade coach), bought a volleyball and a serving tool. Matt took Maddie to the park (with volleyball net) multiple times. She attended two volleyball camps over the summer - all of this culminating in the 7th grade tryouts at the beginning of school year. There were 38 girls who tried out. They had 2 days of tryouts with the team announcement on the 3rd day. Maddie texted with the wonderful news - I MADE THE TEAM!!!! We were so proud of her dedication - even more so when we found out that most of the girls on the team had played in leagues before (I didn't even know there was such a thing in Moline!).

First game - we didn't have a clue what to expect! We quickly found out it is a fast acting, fun sport to watch.

They played in a tournament in Sterling one Saturday and ended up getting better as the season went on. They ended the season 10-4. Maddie learned a few positions as the season went on too. Serving, back row and setter became her favorites.  My favorite moment of the season was against Seton. Wilson was down 21-5 when we got the serve back. Maddie served 19 straight serves then served the 20th too long. While most of the 20 serves weren't aces, the team played well together and won the ball back so Maddie could continue to serve. We ended up winning the game and the match. Amazing!!!

Here is Maddie serving Match point. Their final game is always held at Wharton Field House (high school basketball, volleyball, etc is held at this location). The last game is between the two city rivals and is "Fight for Cancer Awareness" night. It was a fun night and Wilson won a nail biter! What a fun season!

During the Volleyball Awards Night, Maddie was given the "Hustle / 110%" award. Coach mentioned that Maddie loved to run suicides and she never had a good way to punish her! She picked her for the team because of her aggressive attitude - because coach gave her a shot, Maddie stepped it up and has become a very good, all around player.
Now we start Winter ball. Woot Woot!