CORVALLIS, Ore. – Heading into the 2020-21 year, 24 student-athletes were named to the Cascade Collegiate Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), representing their schools.
Maddie Stimmel is one of the two representatives at Corban University, along with
Maxwell Jeffrey. The senior volleyball player chose Corban to continue her playing and academic careers because it was the total package for her.
“I was drawn to Corban because of its great reputation on the court as well as in the classroom,” said Stimmel. “I knew by coming here I would be able to grow in my faith and be challenged in my academics. The opportunity to be part of a successful and supportive volleyball team was a great bonus!”
The Warriors come off a solid 2019 season where they advanced to the NAIA National Championship round of 16, so Stimmel knows the dedication it takes to play at an elite level.
“Being a student-athlete requires time management, determination, and hard work both in the classroom and on the court,” said Stimmel. “Managing time around practices and class to be able to do homework and take care of yourself is extremely important. Determination and hard work are also necessary in classes to remain successful academically, and in practices to become better physically for yourself and your teammates.”
Stimmel transferred to Corban after two years at a community college and has found a place that feels like home.
“My coaches and teammates have influenced me the most while I've been at Corban,” said Stimmel. “My coaches have done a great job of creating an environment that feels like family. And my teammates have taken that seriously, holding each other accountable and being there when one of us needs them. I have learned how to be a great teammate and ways to create the same kind of environment in other parts of my life.”
Even in just one year at Corban, Stimmel has made some lasting relationships and memories.
“The relationships I have built with the people at my university are by far the best part of college,” said Stimmel. “I have made so many connections, especially with my teammates, that have impacted my life and helped me to become a better person, friend, and teammate. My most favorite memory is traveling with my teammates to nationals; having to all grind out the last part of the semester together in a hotel room before getting ready to play an intense game that same night.”
The counseling psychology major wants to continue on to get her master’s degree and eventually become a middle school counselor. Stimmel hopes that will be somewhere in the Pacific Northwest, living with a dog and some cows in a house that has a view of the sunrise and sunset. She loves spending time in the outdoors when she’s not playing volleyball or studying.
This year is bound to be different due to the coronavirus, but Stimmel is adjusting.
“While I've been at school, it seems the positive and welcoming atmosphere has remained the same, just with the addition of masks and social distancing,” said Stimmel. “It has been most difficult to not be able to smile at people or give hugs. However, it has also allowed us to begin and grow friendships in new ways through social media, sending letters, and FaceTime. The worst part is wearing my mask to the gym and getting 10 times sweatier. But the best part is being able to ‘go to class’ on Zoom in the comforts of my own home.”
This will be Stimmel’s first year as a SAAC rep and she’s excited to be a part of it.
“As a member of the CCC-SAAC, I hope to be able to give a voice to athletes and shed light on struggles we can't always see from the court,” said Stimmel. “I believe sports are important in building character and becoming better people. But sport is just one part of the life of a college athlete. There are other pieces that also need to be taken care of in order to make successful athletes, who in turn are able to make a positive impact on their campus and the world.”