Maddie Haynes

I love this picture because it shows the in-game emotions. Tia is another girl that I had played against in college and now got the pleasure to play alongside. She is a true hype up girl and the energy we feed off each other is electric.

(Photo: Massimo Assuti)

A throwback of young Maddie!

This is one of my best friends who knows anything and everything about volleyball. He coaches in the Bay Area for Encore Volleyball Club but he also used to work at Lululemon for many years and I have always wanted to work and be a part of the company. I love being in an athleisure outfit and you will always catch me wearing something from Lulu, so being able to work at Lululemon with my best friend was easily the best summer. However, Salomon is one of my main supporters back home and is always there for me through thick and thin. I can call or text him when I am missing home, need advice about volleyball, or just need a good laugh. 

This is one of many pictures that I feel best describes why I play. For moments like this. Playing in front of a sold-out crowd in the CEV Semi-finals of the European Cup and making history with my teammates and for this club. It was incredibly special to represent Swiss Volley on this stage and to make it all the way to the finals. It reminds me that all the hours, practices, and work we put in come to these moments to show the public what we do. 

(Photo: Massimo Assuti)

This picture is really special to me because I am incredibly close with my family and this was the first time that they have seen me play in person since I have been overseas. This was also my parents first time in Switzerland so it was special for me to show them where I have been living and playing.

Fitz and I played against each other in college - rival schools - and then were actually teammates professionally my second year pro. She came and surprised me at one of my games this season and brought tears to my eyes because one, I had no idea, and two, I was having a hard time at that moment missing family and then it was almost like having family in the stands there. Fitz and I are very close and she's a forever friend that I have made while playing overseas.