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11/04/2016 12:00 AMMaddy Pease joined the Hand girls’ volleyball squad as a sophomore and, in the three subsequent seasons, she’s had nothing but a positive impact on the Tigers, while greatly benefiting from the experience herself.
Maddy, a senior, played several other sports growing up before deciding to try out for the volleyball squad in her sophomore year. Since then, she’s worked her way into the starting lineup and found a home at the right side hitter position midway through last season. Thus far this year, Maddy has recorded 25 kills with 60 digs, 33 blocks, and 30 aces for the Tigers, who went 15-4 for the regular season, while claiming the Oronoque Division crown.
“I decided to give volleyball a shot my sophomore year and I fell in love with it. The team aspect is important to me. I like encouraging others and I felt volleyball was a good fit for me,” says Maddy. “We have a really good team with good team chemistry. They pick me up and give me energy and my coaches and teammates have given me a lot of support.”
Maddy is a dedicated volleyball student who hones her offensive skills throughout the offseason. That’s one of the reasons why Maddy is able to hit on all cylinders when it comes to the attacking aspect of the sport.
“I’d played every position in front, but with the right side, once [Head Coach Ally Johnson] put me there halfway through my junior year, it all just clicked from there,” Maddy says. “I worked a lot on hitting in the offseason with hitting clinics. I just keep the ball in front of me and try to time everything right and hit through the blocks.”
Coach Johnson praises Maddy for the infectious spirit she brings to the Tigers and how she always pumps up her teammates, regardless of whether Hand is winning or losing.
“Maddy is a great role model both on and off the court. She always remains positive no matter the situation and never gives up,” says Johnson. “I am so proud of the player Maddy has become and she will truly be missed next year.”
Maddy is a big believer in the importance of optimism on the court. In a sport that features a ton of momentum shits, Maddy knows that volleyball players need to steer clear of any negativity in order to succeed.
“I pride myself on my leadership skills. I love being positive and always being there for the team,” Maddy says. “I always try to stay positive because it’s the only way to start a run in volleyball.”
With the regular season in the rearview mirror, Hand recently began priming itself for deep pushes in both the SCC and Class L tournaments. Maddy feels the Tigers can see some postseason success if they bring confidence into their contests and refuse to get intimidated by any opponent.
“We’ve had an amazing regular season and this has to be one of the best team’s in [Hand girls’ volleyball] history,” says Maddy, who thanks her parents Katie and Tucker, along with her teammates and former and current coaches. “We never look at a team like they are the best in Connecticut. We just have to go at every ball our hardest.”