Emotional Madisen Skinner Reflects on 2024 Journey After Failing to Defend NCAA Title With Texas Longhorns

Among the most outstanding players on the Texas Longhorns roster, Madisen Skinner entered 2024 as the defending champion. Having already won the NCAA championships twice consecutively, Skinner hoped to complete the hat trick in the final year of college volleyball. However, despite relinquishing that dream after bowing out of the championships, Skinner has no complaints from the 2024 season.

Instead, the former college volleyball icon-turned-pro recalled everything that made last year unforgettable. “I can confidently say that 2024 has been the best year of my life,” wrote the outside hitter, before listing some of her most memorable experiences from 2024.

“From meeting so many of you to playing in my first VNL (Volleyball Nations League) with my sister, traveling around the world to speak alongside the most incredible women, launching the Madi Skinner app, collaborating with my dream brands, and wrapping up my collegiate career—the memories from this past year have truly been unforgettable.” added the volleyball star.

Most of these achievements, with the exception of the VNL, came during the second half of 2024. One of Skinner’s dream brand collaborations came in August 2024 when she partnered with Nike. “You know the name. Please welcome @madisenskinner to the Nike Volleyball family,” the footwear giant posted on August 31. Then came the outside hitter’s own app.

“I’m beyond excited to announce that MadisenSkinner.com and the Madisen Skinner app are officially LIVE,” the Katy, Texas, native announced on social media. The app and the website are one-stop destinations for fans looking to delve deeper into the life of their favorite volleyball athlete. However, as memorable and eventful as 2024 was, Skinner looks forward to another year of opportunities and achievements.

Madisen Skinner has already started a new chapter in the new year

Before ending her post in 2024, the former Texas Longhorns star touched on her mindset going into 2025. “Here’s to continuing to enjoy the journey, embracing new opportunities and finding peace knowing that he has far greater plans for the future,” wrote the athlete. However, Skinner has already embarked on a new journey in her volleyball career.

The former VolleyballMag.com National Player of the Year made her pro volleyball debut with LOVB Austin. After choosing to stay with her hometown team, Skinner took to the court against Austin’s in-state rival, Houston. Unfortunately, for the two-time NCAA champion, her pro debut didn’t start with a victory. Despite taking the early lead, Austin couldn’t withstand Houston’s surging comeback.

Jess Mruzik’s squad overpowered Austin’s momentum, beating the side in a nail-biting reverse sweep. However, despite the loss, Skinner’s performance stood out. The outside hitter established herself as the match MVP for Austin with 22 kills and a 37.3 kill percentage. And one of those future opportunities she spoke about may have also presented itself during the match.

None other than the US national team’s coach, Erik Sullivan, was among the audience during the all-Texas match. After just how thrilling the contest turned out to be, it’s safe to assume that Skinner’s monumental effort to help Austin win the clash didn’t go unnoticed by Sullivan. Who knows what impressing the national team’s coach may bring in the future? However, after Madisen Skinner’s latest post, it’s clear she’s ready to make 2025 an even bigger year than 2024.