(Originally written for The Oregonian: SPORTS SPOTLIGHT ON MADDIE MARSHALL on OREGONLIVE.COM)
(Maddie Marshall of Lakeridge High School says she loves the team chemistry volleyball.-Photo: )Hometown: Lake OswegoGrade/School: 12/Lakeridge High School
Team name: Lakeridge Pacers
Coach: Wendy Stammer
Position: Middle Blocker
Highlights of season: “The final game of the season – the state championship against Central Catholic — was by far the most memorable game and experience that I have ever had. The first game of the match was very intense and was an important win that motivated us for the rest of the game (31-29). Even though we lost the next game (23-25) it still felt like we were in control of the match. Everyone came together for the next two games (25-12) and (25-22) and played the best games of volleyball we have ever had this season. We played for ourselves with nothing to lose. I had 10 kills in that game. Personally, I was awarded first team all league, first team all tournament, and first team all state this season.”
How she got started: “I played basketball for five years before I started volleyball but decided to play club volleyball my eighth grade year with the influence and persuasion from one of my teammates. Then I fell in love with volleyball and gave up basketball to play volleyball full time.”
Coach’s advice: “To play my hardest, fight for every point, and believe I am unstoppable.”
Favorite part of sport: “I love the team chemistry volleyball has, and the feeling of coursing a ball on the 10-foot line or blocking a hit straight down.”
Favorite meal the night before the big event: “I love to eat pasta and a big salad the night before an important game.”
Off-season? “I only play volleyball now, but in the past I have also played basketball.”
Rules to live by: “To always have fun doing what you love. Try your hardest to be the best that you can be. And always believe you can do anything.”
Memorable advice: “My coach Wendy Stammer would always tell me to remember that I am unstoppable, and if I go up to hit fast and hard no one would touch me.”
Other interests: “I am a member of the National Charity League, Inc. which is a mother-daughter organization that participates in different nonprofit charities. I also love to read and watch movies.”
On her iPod: Imagine Dragons and Coldplay.
Favorite books: The Divergent and Hunger Games trilogies by Suzanne Collins.
The one thing someone may not know about me: “I love to make and eat food!”
What’s next? “I am playing club volleyball now, and I plan to go to college to play volleyball in California, and study nursing after I graduate from high school.”
