The Fieldhouse was taken by storm last fall as the new court was broken in by the volleyball team. Throughout the team’s success, there was one player who stood out: junior and team captain Maddye Dinsmore.
After the season the Pirates put together on the court, taking a share of the Northwest Conference title and the automatic bid to the NCAA National Tournament, Dinsmore was awarded with personal accolades as well. Dinsmore was crowned as the NWC Player of the Year and named to the First Team All-West Region.
“I was so proud of her [for winning NWC Player of the Year] because I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving, and I was thrilled that all of our opponents in the conference noticed it as well,” coach Kati Bodecker said.
However, according to her teammate, junior Izze Ginley, Dinsmore doesn’t like to talk about the awards she won.
“I’m not shooting for the accolades,” Dinsmore said. “As a setter, I want to become more consistent. The accolades I received this last year were not because of me, but rather because of my team around me.”
Even though she has already been dubbed ‘the best player in the NWC,’ Dinsmore is still hungry for more. It is her work ethic that sets her apart from the rest of the competition.
“All of her accomplishments are absolutely because of her work ethic,” Bodecker said. “All coaches say you can’t be successful without the right work ethic, but with Maddye it’s especially true.”
Not only has her coach noticed her work drive, but her teammates have as well. They frequently are pushed by Dinsmore.
“She has a stronger work ethic than anyone I’ve seen,” sophomore Brenna Bruil said.
Along with the determination, Dinsmore has created a level of trust with her teammates that is irreplaceable. As the setter for the team, everyone is reliant on Dinsmore being able to get the second touch and set up the hitters to put the ball away.
“We know that Maddye will get the ball, she’s so fast. We know she’s going to chase down every ball, even if the pass isn’t the greatest,” Bruil said.
Dinsmore is quick to point out that even though she touches the ball almost every play as a setter, that’s not where the play starts.
“I can’t give my hitters a good set without a good first pass. It’s truly a full team effort,” Dinsmore said.
However, it is not just on the court that Dinsmore is an inspiration to her teammates. Over the past year, she has taken her leadership abilities and applied them off the court as well.
“When you’re a captain, you kind of have that extra pressure to reach out to people, and I see her reaching out to everyone on the team to foster relationships,” Ginley said.
Dinsmore, an elementary education major with hopes of becoming a kindergarten teacher, will return for her senior season next year and will try to lead the Pirates back to the NCAA tournament.
“We want to get back to the tournament this next year and make some noise,” Dinsmore said.
With Dinsmore leading the Bucs, and most of the team returning, the Pirates will aim to be even better next season.
