Exclusive: 3x NCAA Champ Madisen Skinner Gets Candid About Her 2024 Paris Olympics Chances

Women’s sports have really been under the limelight lately and this is all the more exciting as we have the 2024 Paris Olympics right around the corner. The Games could prove to be the biggest stage for many females in the sporting world. And as it happens, we here had the pleasure of talking to one of those hopeful athletes. 

Recently, for this week’s episode of our EssentiallySports Thought Leadership Podcast series – Think Tank – our host Trey Holder sat down with three-time NCAA Volleyball champion, Madisen Skinner. There, the two of them dissected the upcoming season and the journey of aspiring Olympians. 

“There is a big chance that she [my sister] could end up on that [Olympic] roster,” revealed Madisen Skinner, during her Exclusive Interview with EssentiallySports. This cryptic comment from her set the stage for an intriguing story, which further touched upon the trials and tribulations of an athlete vying for a coveted spot on the national team.

We may have found the stepping stone for women’s volleyball to the Olympics

While the Olympics might be the ultimate goal, the path to sporting glory is paved with crucial tournaments. Skinner mentions the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) as the immediate hurdle.

She states, “I leave for USA at mid-April, so basically you have to make the VNL roster, um, which is just a big tournament… in order to potentially compete for the Olympic roster.”

This prestigious international competition serves as a selection ground for the Olympic team. To even be considered, athletes must prove their mettle at the VNL.

This creates a fascinating opportunity for viewers and content creators alike. The VNL transforms from a mere sporting event into a captivating narrative. Every spike and every dig becomes a stepping stone on an athlete’s journey to the Olympics. Imagine the potential! Imagine showcasing the grit, and determination these aspiring Olympians have. From what it seems, it is going to be a win-win for athletes and brands alike!

The pre-Olympic season, with tournaments like the VNL, presents a goldmine for innovative brand partnerships. As Chloe Mitchell, the first college athlete to capitalize on NIL rules, pointed out in a recent interview with EssentiallySports, “athletes deserve their share of the pie.” These pre-Olympic events provide the perfect platform for brands to connect with rising stars and passionate fan bases.

The audience for the VNL is likely a highly engaged group of fans who crave in-depth analysis and behind-the-scenes access. They are the ideal demographic for premium content—think exclusive interviews, training footage, and data-driven breakdowns. By partnering with athletes during this crucial pre-Olympic phase, brands can not only support aspiring Olympians but also tap into a dedicated and enthusiastic audience—and maybe provide a certain glimpse into the future of sports content.

The ever-evolving NCAA landscape, coupled with the upcoming Olympics, paints a promising picture for the future of sports content. EssentiallySports, by recognizing the significance of pre-Olympic tournaments and the power of athlete narratives, is happy to be at the forefront of this exciting new frontier, where Madisen Skinner may just take the helm, along with her sister. The anticipation was pretty evident in her voice when she stated, “So my sister and I will both be there, um, to try and train for VNL, so I’m super excited.”

Imagine a world where fans can follow their favorite athletes not just on the Olympic stage but throughout their entire journey. A world where analysis goes beyond statistics, delving into the human stories behind the athletes. This is the future that EssentiallySports is actively looking to shape with the podcast.

Stay tuned as EssentiallySports’ Think Tank dives deeper into the strategic opportunities presented by the newest era of sportsmanship and the ever-growing appetite for premium sports content, convening the sharpest minds in sports content strategy, leadership, and innovation. We strive to deliver thought leadership that sparks change and unlocks new opportunities. Stay tuned for expert insights that will propel your business forward. This is EssentiallySports: Think Tank. Where Sports meets Smart Content.

Tune into ES Think Tank to watch the full episode!