Get to know Pleasant Grove HS volleyball player Madi Brown
PLEASANT GROVE, Utah — Despite the self-doubt and mental challenge, Madi Brown plays volleyball because she loves it.
Madison Brown is a 15-year-old sophomore attending Pleasant Grove High School. And although she may not have her future perfectly planned out, her outlook is bright.
“I’ve been trying to figure the future out. Right now I play volleyball just to make friends, fill time, and stay active. Don’t know if I’ll stick with it in high school or go to the Olympics, but right now I’m just playing it by ear because I love it.”
Madi started out playing junior jazz basketball at Please Grove Rec Center until her oldest sister Kaitlyn did volleyball, so she tried out at the rec center and fell in love.
Yet, not all ambitions come naturally, and self-doubt creeps in. Her biggest challenge in volleyball is the mental state and being too hard on herself. Yet her way to overcome it is also some of her best advice for others. She said, “I’m my biggest critic, and it’s really hard to grow when you have that mindset. I’m comparing myself to my past self and focusing on the positive more than the negative.” A lesson we can all learn.
Though it comes with its challenges she loves the sport because of her love for the girls on the team. Especially at PGHS–it’s a family.
Madi says, “I used to go to another high school and it was awful. But when I started attending Please Grove High School, it felt so natural; like I belonged there. The culture of PG, specifically the high school, is such an inclusive community.”
She’s also learned the importance of being part of a team. “In the past it wasn’t a team activity and I thought about myself. I didn’t care if the team succeeded. This year has shown me what a true teammate is, someone you can trust, and be proud of. Last year I was focused on me and that was a huge mistake. It’s not just one person on the court,” Madi said.
Madi puts in incredible hours with her schedule between volleyball practices, school, and friends. With three hour practices five times a week, Madi had to learn to stick to a list and prioritize. She uses weekend mornings for homework and Saturday nights are for friends. One of her more recent escapades with friends was piercing her ears, but don’t worry–her dad was nearby.
Volleyball and high school have taught her that time is precious. Her advice to anyone, athlete or not, is to go out there acting like it’s your last time, because you never know if you’ll be benched or get hurt. Her high school coach, Isa Takahashi, says not to hold back–“If you want something, chase it.”
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