Athlete of the Week – Maddie Zwickl
SPORT: Volleyball
YEAR: Third Year
MAJOR: Media Management
HOMETOWN: Chester, New York
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How Did You First Start Playing Volleyball?
I started playing volleyball when I was very young. My sister who is eight years older than me played and both my parents coached her, so I went to every practice and watched. I ended up playing when I was in 7th grade and in 8th grade made Junior Varsity (JV). During my four years in high school I played on varsity and started.
Outside Of Volleyball, What Do You Like To Do?
Outside of volleyball I enjoy hiking, being outdoors and being with friends—a very typical college answer.
Who Are Your Biggest Role Models?
My biggest role models are my sister, Kate, and mom, Michele. They are both super hard working women, and they have taught me so many things. Being confident, brave, hard working, organized and outgoing are qualities I get from both of them.
Are You A Fan Of Any Professional Teams?
I have a hard time following sports because whenever I root for a team they lose. I think it was the Green Bay Packers who had won the Super Bowl and were on an ongoing winning streak the season after. When I decided to be a Cheesehead and root for them, they lost their first game in a while. After that, I gave up and decided to watch any football, baseball, basketball game that was on television and just enjoy who I was with when I watched them. That is more exciting to me than a team winning.
Do You Have Any Superstitions?
I used to always have a routine when I was going to play a game, but one time I broke that routine and played amazing. After that I never did it again. It involved having my hair a certain way, my warmup and who I did handshakes with in a certain order. I was crazy superstitious.
What’s Your Favorite Sports Memory?
My favorite sports memory was winning SUNYACs my freshman year. I remember the season and how confident we all were, and as a freshman, I was so excited all the time to be in the gym and play. I started as a freshman, so playing with seniors was scary, but it was a season I won’t forget. The last point, my senior Alex Bizub served the ball and got an ace. The feeling of just wanting to hug all my teammates at once and cry and smile was the best feeling ever.
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Do YOU Want To Be Athlete Of The Week?
Contact Michael Rosen at Rosenm2@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu