ARLINGTON, Texas -- UTA volleyball opens its 2018 season on Aug. 24 and will feature a roster filled with 10 newcomers. Get to know UTA's incoming class in a series of features on UTAMavs.com!

Today, learn all about UTA newcomer Madison Hill, a middle blocker and outside hitter. A native of Rockwall, Texas, Hill joins the Mavericks after starring for two seasons at Marshall. Hill, a 6-foot-1, product of Heritage Christian Academy, was a first-team All-Conference USA selection in 2017 and a second-team and All-Freshman Team honoree in 2016.

"We are really excited to add Madison Hill to the UTA Volleyball program," UTA Coach J.T. Wenger said. "Her experience as both a middle blocker and an outside hitter will add great depth to our program. She has competed in a solid conference and has stood out from the crowd by earning all-conference honors in both her freshman and sophomore seasons. 

As a freshman, Hill set the school single-season record with a .418 hitting percentage, leading Marshall in blocks (79) and ranking fourth in kills (229). During her sophomore season in 2017, Hill had 3.09 kills per set and 328 kills total, hitting .224.

Starred at Heritage Academy in Rockwall, where she started three years, leading the team to a district title and an undefeated record. Over her high school career, Hill played in 346 sets with 1,490 kills and a .412 hitting percentage.

"Madison is a very skilled attacker and blocker and will be a formidable presence at the net," Wenger said. "It is great to add local DFW talent to our roster. As a Rockwall native, Madison had a great prep career and has carried that success through to the collegiate level. Her tenacity will be a great asset for our program."

At what age did you begin playing volleyball?
MH: 9.

Why did you start playing volleyball?
MH: My friends and I played all sorts of sports together though the YMCA, eventually making
our way to the game of volleyball. Ever since I started playing volleyball, I've loved it.

What is your earliest memory of volleyball?
MH: My earliest memory of volleyball is when I played at the YMCA for the Purple Monkeys. We were the only team to overhand serve and get three touches on the ball before sending it over the net.

Who is a current/former collegiate or professional volleyball athlete whom you admire and
why?
MH: A former player that I admire is Khat Bell from Texas. I have watched her play since she was at Texas and I really enjoy her ability to compete hard and have fun while doing so.

What family members have made the biggest impact on your life and why?
MH: My family includes my father Greg Hill and my sister Lindsey Hill. My father has made the
biggest impact on my life. After my mother passed away, he was left with the role of being a
single father AND mother to me and my sister ... poor dad, stuck raising TWO girls. My dad has
always been my biggest supporter in my life. When things go right or wrong, he was always
there to have my back.

What are the strengths of your volleyball game? What are the areas you are currently trying to work on the most?
MH: Strengths of my game include being able to read the game and put the ball down
effectively. An area I am trying to improve would be pressing over the net on my block.

Why did you decide to attend the UT Arlington?
MH: I chose UTA because I had a connection with the coaches, it is closer to home and the team is on an upward rise.

What are your individual and team goals at UT Arlington?
MH: My individual goal is to be prepared so that I can contribute to the team. My team goal is to win conference and make it to the playoffs.

What are your career goals and why do you have an interest in pursuing that particular career?
MH: After volleyball I hope to get into occupational therapy. I am choosing this path because I enjoy being able to help people in life.

Have there been any big obstacles that you have had to overcome in your life? How did you
overcome them and how did that experience help shape you?
MH: In the 7th grade I was diagnosed with pretty severe scoliosis and ended up having to wear a back brace 23/7. However, since I was so devoted to volleyball I chose to keep playing. I would wear my brace all day everyday, only taking it off to play volleyball then put it back on right after I got off the court. I had to deal with physical pain from the brace as well as the mental struggles. It was tough managing but it molded me into a stronger person.

What do you enjoy doing outside of volleyball and school?
MH: I enjoy binge watching my favorite shows, which include Grey's Anatomy, the Colony,
Criminal Minds and Scandal. I also really enjoy driving around listening to music.

Do you have any pets? What are their names and what role do they play in your life?
MH: I have two schnauzers, their names are Bethany and Zoey. I have really enjoyed my dogs
companionship. They both enjoy following me around my house, cuddling while watching TV, and terrorizing the squirrels outside.

What would you most like to be known for as a UT Arlington volleyball player?
MH: Being a role model to younger kids on how to manage school and volleyball.

What advice would you give to a young girl who would like to one day be in your shoes?
MH: Never give up, no matter how tough things may get keeping pushing through. Life will always try to throw you curveballs, but don't let that get in your way.

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