July 18, 2023

We’re proud to be a part of an ongoing partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods, which is sponsoring our Player of the Week award. We’ll be releasing a featured vballrecruiter.com Player of the Week, sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods, on Tuesdays. Below is this week’s Player of the Week: Madison Quest. *** As we were speaking with Madison Quest to feature her as our latest Player of the Week sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods, she was traveling from her family cabin in northern Wisconsin to this year’s edition of the Wisconsin Badgers volleyball camp. It’s a trip she’s more than familiar with. Quest has been attending the camp since she was at least 8-years-old. She remembers going with her teams and staying overnight. It all made for a very fun experiences and fond memories. Yet, it was a much different feeling driving to camp this year. That’s because this time she was doing it as a future Badger. The 6-3, 5-star outside hitter recently became the first to commit to Wisconsin from the Class of 2025 when she gave her verbal on June 15. “This time it’s special going as a future Badger,” said Quest, whose mom, Pauline, played volleyball and dad, Matt, played basketball at the university. Playing for MKE Sting and attending Divine Savior Holy Angels, it’s natural to think Wisconsin was Quest’s dream school all along and the only one she had her heart set on. However, she said that wasn’t the case. Yes, her parents attended the school and Quest grew up going to games there, but she kept an open mind and viewed playing elsewhere as a realistic possibility. “I started checking out other schools and looking at campuses, but all the memories made me feel special and it became my No. 1 school,” Quest said. “I went to a couple camps last year like Louisville, Kentucky and Penn State. When June 15 rolled around and I started talking to coaches I knew I wanted to go to Wisconsin when they offered. It was a very fun process.” Quest began gaining traction as a top prospect last season when she played up an age group on the 16s. She remained in the division this season, recently completing a year in which MKE Sting 16 Gold finished tied for 13th at the USAV GJNC in Chicago after starting off as the No. 22 overall seed. “I think throughout the whole season we had some really great wins,” Quest said. “We competed really hard. Looking back at nationals and how we placed was a success for us. It was a memorable team. We were super, super close. At nationals, everyone goes in chasing the championship and all that. I think we went in with the same mentality. We just fell a little short. We had some really great games and beat some teams we trained for. That was a big accomplishment.” With the latest club season wrapped up and summer camps winding down, Quest will shift her focus and attention to the upcoming high school season. She’s already been a two-time all-state selection by the Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association. Last season as a sophomore, she averaged 4.2 kills, 2.5 digs and hit .320 in helping the Dashers to the WIAA Division 1 state championship. “That was something for sure,” Quest said. “It was a dream winning the championship. We trained a ton obviously and preparing for each game to get to the semifinals. To get to the championship was crazy. Looking back once we won people were crying. It was a crazy, crazy feeling and something we have a great shot at doing again this year.” As our featured Player of the Week sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods, we recently spoke with Quest about volleyball and more. Who is your role model or icon you look up to? Quest: I would say my mom. I think my parents are a huge part. I think the way she does everything and the way she does stuff is a big part of my life. She always taught me things. She’s a very competitive person in many ways, but she’s not necessarily competitive in the ways you would think. It’s hard to explain because she’s competitive in the small things. That stood out to me. She helps me grow in everything. She talks to me about everything and all the ways she’s helped guide me really makes me want to learn and follow the stuff she’s done. What is your favorite food(s)? Quest: I don’t know. I can’t pick one food. I have a lot I love. I love sushi. I love steak. I love mac and cheese. What is your favorite tournament of the season? Quest: (My favorite tournament is) Nationals. I love competing against the best. I wouldn’t want it any other way. I don’t think it makes it stressful playing against the best. Playing against the best where they are giving you everything they got and you’re doing the same is what I think makes it better. I think it’s a really fun last tournament because you have prepared the whole season and it makes it more special. (Triple Crown) NIT is a really fun tournament too because it’s great competition. But I would say Nationals is my favorite. What is your favorite team bonding event? Quest: I can’t really think of a favorite. I did enjoy from my last club team doing the ropes course and stuff like that and other activities. That was a lot of fun to do the ropes. We were up there having fun. It was a little nerve-wracking for some but it was fun doing it together and supporting people who were more nervous. Do you have a favorite quote or mantra? Quest: I don’t have a specific quote or saying that I have. I do think it’s special that my dad before big volleyball tournaments or in general sends me inspirational messages. Those messages have been something I really like