209 sets played, 1027 assists, 475 digs. She’s a 5ft 6 powerhouse with an unmatched passion, a true heart of gold. Madison Gaido’s caring and hard-working demeanor defines her gentle yet precise setting, a technique perfected through endless hours of practicing. In the sport she loves, Gaido found a way to connect with each player that stood alongside her on the court.
“The setter in volleyball is like the quarterback of a football team. You don’t have much offense without either one.” Varsity Head Coach Michelle Norfolk explained. The setter is the pinnacle of the team’s offense and counterattack. It’s a position that requires the trust and dependability of every player on the court. For a setter to perform at their best, they need a good pass from any player before they can initiate the attack. With only seconds to decide before the ball drops, the setter must get under the ball and choose whom they’re sending it to. A decision that could lead to either a kill or a block out. And in the heat of the moment, it could be the deciding factor between a win or lose. “It feels great to be trusted by my teammates to deliver good sets and make smart choices on the court,” Gaido says.
Amidst the chaos, she remains calm and collected; from the positioning of her feet to the placement of the set, it’s calculated. “She’s always been very mature for her age and has been able to play up to a higher level as a result.” But is it simply maturity? “She has such speed and agility on the court, and impressive accuracy on the placement of her sets.” Coach Norfolk commented. “On top of that, she’s a great defensive player as well. She’s not afraid to pass the ball or go up against another team’s biggest hitters.” Then is it talent? No.
It’s everything. Her tenacity, passion, courage, and above all else, her love for volleyball gives her so much potential. In only her sophomore year of high school, she holds a honed blade against other rising stars; a challenge. A declaration. She aims high with infinite skies to stretch her wings. 2,000 assists, 1,000 digs, and a playoffs appearance doesn’t seem too far out of reach for this remarkable individual as she plows through the enemy’s defense with pinpoint precision. A mind like none other, a brilliant all-rounder with a monster team and she helps pave the way. Madison Gaido, the Conductor.
