Not by one or two instances, but through a sustained series of engagements and steadfast commitment to progress, Madisen Skinner achieved recognition. Take her pro volleyball debut. She and her team, LOVB Austin, suffered a setback at the hands of LOVB Houston. So, in their next match against LOVB Madison, Skinner and her team were expected to bounce back.

And guess what? They didn’t disappoint. On the 11 January game against LOVB Madison, Austin registered their first win with a 3-0 score. Behind the scenes, Madisen Skinner’s happy, energized teammates appeared.

Madisen Skinner’s teammates bonded with passion and camaraderie

Madisen Skinner recently shared digital creator Eli Garcia’s posts on her Instagram stories. There, LOVB Austin seemed to be enjoying their match day’s ambiance. Lining up with the teammates, they were grooving in their blue jerseys to some catchy beats. No pressure! Skinner, too, was seen matching the rhythm of her teammates. Her next story gave fans a glimpse of the locker room. Putting their hands together, the Austin dispersed with the words “Love Austin”. The team seemed fired up and ready to go as they left for the court with a passionate yet somewhat comical barking impression. Although some did not join in, and found it embarrassing, it was a candid moment that showed that the team was in really good spirits.  

From the post, it seems that the clips were taken from their game against LOVB Madison. There, Madisen Skinner captioned it as “it’s giving all the things.” While we don’t know what she actually meant by “all the things,” it’s safe to say that all the LOVB Austin girls are having a great time together. The second clip was captioned: “I luv this group sm omg.” Yes! And all of Austin shares your love, Madisen.

LOVB Austin have been all about making comebacks this season whether it’s on the court or to the court. One of the architects of Austin’s win against Madison was Juliann Faucette, who is playing her first season of pro volleyball after 2021. She recorded 13 kills in the match. And you know what’s even more inspiring? She is a mom. Awestruck by how Juliann is able to do it all, Skinner wrote, “This is why Juliann Faucette is your new role model.” That is what makes for good team morale, right? A balance between goofiness and inspiration. 

Before joining the LOVB, Skinner was killing with her hits during her Texas Longhorn days. And before that, the same Skinner was proving her prowess in Kentucky. Seasoned with two NCAA national champion teams, Madisen Skinner knows that it’s only hardship that unearths the most valuable gems in life. It can propel us to new heights. Her marks during her NCAA collegiate career ensured she should not cling to outcomes–whatever it is–even a defeat in her pro debut game against LOVB Houston.

Defeat and dominance go hand in hand for Madisen Skinner

During her days in Texas, Madisen Skinner was co-captaining the Longhorns. She made her 2024 journey unforgettable. Among many memories, there is one particular game. It was her farewell game against Creighton for the Longhorns. In that semi-final, the 2023 National Player of the Year by Volleyballmag.com, Madisen scored 23 kills. Yet the Longhorn tasted dust. And Skinner’s five long years in collegiate volleyball came to an end with a defeat. After that, she entered Austin’s fold as a pro. Many would have thought the debut match of the LOVB Austin against the LOVB Houston was the stage where she avenged the loss. 

That game, however, did not end as many had expected. LOVB Austin lost in the game. The Houston snagged the scoreboard. Their scoreline was 27-25 26-24 22-25 25-27 14-16. Yet, for Madison, who ended last year with defeat and started off again with the same fate, it was a spectacular play. She managed to play a worthy stance despite the loss of her team. Not giving the LOVB Houston an easy win, Madisen Skinner marked 22 kills with 27 crucial points. Proving her mettle again, even as LOVB Austin fell short.  Let’s see how the rest of this high-octane league turns out for Madisen Skinner and her teammates.