Derrick Webb, Staff Writer
KINNIKINNICK
KINNIKINNICK — Maddie Rann’s dream has always consisted of playing collegiate volleyball.
Monday evening, in front of friends and family at Zane Trace High School, that dream became a reality with the stroke of a pen as Rann signed to play at Shawnee State University.
“I chose Shawnee State because I went on a few visits there and absolutely loved it. It’s not very big and that’s what I liked about it,” Rann said. “I like my teammates already. They help me out when I’m doing something wrong and they’re just really supportive. I’ve been wanting to play college volleyball since I was little, so it’s very exciting to play for a college team.”
Rann, the Pioneers’ setter over the past two seasons, started her high school career at Chillicothe before transferring to Zane Trace. She helped the Cavaliers win a league title her sophomore year before aiding the Pioneers to 28 wins over the next two seasons.
All in all, she ended her career with 1,008 assists alongside 59 aces, 393 digs and 111 kills.
“As a player, you have to know the court but as a setter, you have to run the court,” Rann said. “I’m good at knowing the other side of the court, being smart with the ball and making sure I’m running the right hitters at the right time.”
If she had to pick a favorite memory or moment during her high school career, it’d definitely be this past year’s five-set win over Unioto on Sept. 25.
That night, the Pioneers — a heavy underdog coming in — earned a 25-21, 25-21, 23-25, 23-25, 15-9 victory.
“That’s a moment I’ll never forget because we had been waiting for that for so long and my team was completely capable of achieving that goal,” Rann said. “it was very exciting.”
Rann, who wants to major in Dental Hygiene, will now create lasting memories at the collegiate level. She joins a Bears program that ended last fall with 13-20 overall record.
As she begins that journey, her supporters will be there every step of the way to cheer her on.
“My friends and family mean everything to me. My parents are a really big help because they are very supportive and they push me the most,” Rann said. “Although it was annoying at times, I’m glad they pushed me so I can be who I am today and play the sport I love.”