JH Rose senior Madison Mirra signs with the East Carolina Pirates
GREENVILLE, N.C. — Greenville native Madison Mirra looks forward to joining the East Carolina Pirates on the volleyball court next year, entering her seventh year in the competitive sport.
The JH Rose senior explains, “My volleyball journey began when I was in the 5th grade after my eleven-year gymnastics career came to an end. One of my best friends growing up, and still to this day, introduced me to the sport and I fell in love with it. One of my favorite things about playing volleyball is the fierce competition. The fast-paced rhythm of the sport keeps me on my toes, literally and mentally.”
Madison recalls being slightly nervous during her first school try-outs at Washington Montessori, as she had never touched a volleyball before. The seventeen-year-old describes, “If you know me, you’re familiar with how competitive and determined I am in anything I do. The words ‘give up’ are not in my vocabulary, which comes from my dad who excelled in everything he tried. My friends always joke about how focused I am on everything, whether it’s during an important volleyball game or playing a game of pickleball just for fun.”
Along with athletic genes as a Mirra, Madison accredits great coaches to her successes. She enjoys learning new things and receiving feedback from her coaches, while creating bonds with each one. “Because of my gymnastics background, I am used to having tough coaches that hold me to a high standard in order to be better. It makes me happy when I see progress once I start applying what I’ve been taught.”
Roses Gymnastics owner and coach, Darlene Rose, states, “Madi was a delight to coach. She loved gymnastics and always wanted to do her best in practice as well as at competitions. Madi’s determination and hard work led to success, and I am sure it serves her the same in the game of volleyball.”
Madison’s step father can also be found cheering on the young athlete and could not be more proud of her accomplishments. Andy Everett describes, “Most people know the quote ‘Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard’ and Madi was blessed with both. She’s so talented and I have never seen an individual with such a strong work ethic. She’s a straight up beast in whatever she’s competing in.”
Kelley Kraniak, the Executive Director of the East Carolina Junior Volleyball Club, also “holds a respectable place” in Madison’s heart. ECJVC is an organization directly affiliated with the Junior Olympic Volleyball and offers female athletes challenging competitions while traveling within the region, as well as national level competitions.
As Madison’s ECJVC coach and mentor, Kelley says, “I would consider Madi one of the hardest working players that has come through ECJVC. She strives for excellence, is very competitive, and makes everyone around her better. I love that she comes out with so much fire fuel to win and do her best but can always see that smile and hear her giggle to put others at ease.”
She elaborates, “I have never seen a ball drop without Madi’s body hitting the floor. Her commitment to herself and her team deserves to be recognized, and I am just so proud of all she has accomplished so far!”
Madison’s position on the court as libero, meaning “free” in Italian, signifies the freedom the position has to enter on and off the court. The libero is restricted to performing as a back-row player and can “exchange” with another back-row player without an official substitution. The unique players wear a different color jersey than teammates, allowing referees to spot the athlete more easily to enforce the rules of the position.
“As a libero, one of the biggest expectations is to be all over the court during every point of every game. I highly enjoy playing this position because you don’t ever stop moving, and that fits my personality and lifestyle so well. The feeling you get of getting an excellent dig, or a ball up that you didn’t even think you’d be able to touch, is the best. It’s a game of never-ending challenges, but that’s what makes it fun.”
Rampants volleyball head coach Ginny Howard and teammates have helped guide Madison to her college career with the Pirates this fall. Madison explains, “After a hard loss, Coach Ginny always says, ‘No one knows what you’re feeling more than the people standing right next to you.”
The star player holds her teammates at a high regard and values the friendships that blossom on the court. “Having close teammates that are aware of my strengths, challenges and intentions are just the best. They help bring me up when I’m down and give me a push when I need it most. Volleyball creates friendships that will take you far outside of just practice and tournaments, as well. I truly believe some of the friendships made on the court are ones that will last a lifetime.”
Coach Ginny says, “Madi is a fierce competitor, a great player and a true leader. She always wants to grow her knowledge and her skills on and off the court, and that is one of the things that makes her the player that she is. She has pushed me to become a better coach myself. Rose volleyball would not and will not be the same without her!”
While on her second mission trip to the Dominican Republic, Madison accepted her letter of intent with East Carolina. The support and celebration from the mission group brought tears to her eyes.
The dedicated player describes, “A very important family to me, the Youngs, were also there on the trip. I can easily say Jennifer and Kevin are like my second parents and their three boys are like the brothers I never had. Feeling the love from them made me so much more emotional, especially because of the big part they’ve had in my journey. At that moment I felt like all of my hard work in the past had finally paid off, but it isn’t over. I’m excited to start a whole new journey with new goals to reach.”
Madison Mirra encourages others to “live in the moment”. She is a fierce competitor with a giving heart that follows her dreams. “Years really do fly by, especially when you’re playing a sport you enjoy. The commitment may seem questionable at times, and you might feel burned out, but remind yourself that it will be worth it. It takes time, but don’t get discouraged. There will be setbacks, but that will set you up to having an even greater comeback.”
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.