River Hill High volleyball coach Sybil Modispacher truly believes she has one of the best hitters in Howard County on her team in Maddi Lee.
Modispacher said she is impressed with Lee?s athleticism, her drive and her overall ability in a highly competitive county league. However, what impresses the coach even more than Lee?s performance on the court are her feats in the classroom.
“Maddi is an all-around great player and person,” Modispacher said. “The way she handles herself on the court is the same way she handles herself in the classroom. She is the type of player and student that not only does what is expected of her, but takes it to the next level and does even more than what we expect her to do.”
Lee?s natural ability on the court has not only caught the attention of Modispacher, but of college coaches, as well. In fact, the 16-year-old junior has performed so well that she has orally committed to playing at the University of Maryland after graduating in 2008.
“Maddi couldgo to any school she wants to,” Modispacher said, “but she was looking for a place where she can get a quality education and play for a great volleyball program, and Maryland offers both of those for her.”
Lee keeps a full schedule, playing volleyball for River Hill in the fall and club ball during the offseason. She also has managed to accumulate a 3.86 GPA while taking a challenging course load, including honors Spanish III, history and English, along with gifted and talented pre-calculus, chemistry and art. For Lee, balancing schoolwork and volleyball is just a way of life.
“I usually have better grades during volleyball season because I get into such a routine,” said Lee, who has played on River Hill?s varsity since her freshman year. “It?s school, volleyball, homework and bed before doing all again the next day.”
Lee, who is particularly interested in math and science, said playing a sport is a great way to keep up with her grades since she has to do well off the court to stay on it.
“Wanting to play volleyball is great motivation for making sure I study, do my homework and do well in school,” she said.
