Schermerhorn’s volleyball journey comes full circle

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – From Ligonier, to West Lafayette and Las Vegas, Maddie Schermerhorn’s volleyball career has taken the northeast Indiana native all across the country.

After five years with the Boilermakers, the West Noble High School and Purdue grad is enjoying the next phase of her volleyball career. This month, Schermerhorn spent part of her offseason working with high school athletes for libero clinics in Fort Wayne.

Schermerhorn is coming off her first season as a pro volleyball player. The defensive specialist was at the forefront of women’s sports by playing in the inaugural season of the Pro Volleyball Federation with the Las Vegas Thrill. Playing alongside Olympians and other top-notch athletes, Schermerhorn was humbled to learn from elite talent.

“They just are smarter than you, honestly,” Schermerhorn said. “The game’s quicker. When you think you’re in the right spot, you’re not. They just know it. It’s a step higher than what you think in college. College volleyball is elite, it’s one of the best of the best. Professional is a different way of putting it.”

Prior to suiting up with the Thrill, Schermerhorn anchored Purdue’s back line for three years. The libero earned all-Big Ten honors in back-to-back years while also helping Purdue go on deep runs in the NCAA Tournament.

While Schermerhorn is thankful for everything she accomplished in West Lafayette, she’s more proud of how she carried herself off the court.

“When people enjoy to see me back there, they think because of who I was to them, and I really liked being known for who I was a person or as a teammate more than who I was on the floor,” Schermerhorn said. “I really enjoying hearing that.”

Outside of her playing career, Schermerhorn’s volleyball journey is coming full circle this fall. Like the clinics she’s serving for in June, Schermerhorn wants to pay it forward for the next wave of volleyball talent in northeast Indiana. The libero is serving as a grad assistant coach for Grace College’s women’s volleyball program.

“When I was in high school, I didn’t have many opportunities to do stuff like this,” Schermerhorn said. “I think now that the game is growing, I would love to be that person they can turn to, to learn from.”

Schermerhorn and the Lancers get their season rolling in August.

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