Volleyball: Genz to continue her volleyball career

COVID-19 changed Madison Genz’s mind.

The Brainerd Warriors senior wasn’t sure she wanted to play college volleyball. She was uncertain it was the right fit for her, but having an abbreviated senior season changed her feelings.

Also having success during a 13-game high school schedule didn’t hurt either.

Then finding a place to land where Genz could compete in both volleyball and track and field also helped.

Genz verbally committed to joining the St. Catherine University Wildcats next fall.

“I really enjoyed the team and the coaches,” Genz said. “I’m friends with one of the girls on the team and she really made me believe that it would be a good fit for me.”

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Genz is friends with freshman defensive specialist Claire Segner of Waconia, who is also on the roster. She said knowing her and being able to be in both sports were the selling points.

St. Catherine’s is a Division III school so doesn’t give out athletic scholarships, but Genz earned academic scholarships.

Genz earned All-Central Lakes Conference and All-Brainerd Dispatch honors as an outside hitter for the Warriors. She finished her senior season with 122 kills, 196 digs, 17 blocks and 13 ace serves on 81.8% serving.

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The four-year varsity player was also a captain this season.

“Right now I’m just keeping my hands on a volleyball and staying in the gym working out,” Genz said. “For next year I really need to work on my mental game. I have to have a strong mental approach at the next level and can’t get so down on myself.”

Genz is a sprinter on the Warrior track and field team and will continue to do those events in college. Genz plans on studying marketing.

“At first, I wasn’t really sure I wanted to play college volleyball,” Genz said. “I didn’t think it would be the right move for me, but because of everything that happened this year it just made me realize how much I love volleyball and how I want to keep playing.”

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JEREMY MILLSOP may be reached at 218-855-5856 or jeremy.millsop@brainerddispatch.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jeremymillsop.