When Heather Madison wrapped up her prep volleyball career at Gresham High School last year, she was on top of the world.
After leading the Gophers to their second consecutive state title, the senior setter received first-team All-American and Oregon player of the year honors.
Now a freshman at Oregon, circumstances beyond her control have introduced Madison to a different world. A world feared by athletes with her court credentials. A world so cold and lonely that once one arrives, they fear they may never get back.
Athletes generally refer to this world as the bench.
With sophomore Jodi Bell firmly entrenched as the setter in the Oregon offense, Madison must watch patiently until head coach Carl Ferreira can incorporate her talents into the Ducks’ system.
“It’s really frustrating not being able to contribute,” Madison said. “Sometimes I feel insignificant.”
With a hallowed prep career, Madison drew attention from the likes of USC, Ohio State and Notre Dame. But a chance to be part of a team that could turn the Oregon volleyball program around was too much to pass.
“I wanted to be part of history and a part of the team that brings Oregon through,” Madison said. “That would be rewarding, even if I’m not recognized at all. Maybe in the future, if Oregon stays on top, I’ll know that I was part of that.”
Madison’s decision to come to Oregon wasn’t just volleyball related. She developed a relationship with Ferreira and assistant coach Keith Rubio, which made her believe the coaches had her best interests at heart off the court as well.
“It was both Keith and Carl that really attracted me,” Madison said. “What was different about it was they cared about me more as a person. They knew that I was a good volleyball player, but I just knew that if I were to choose coming (to Oregon), they’d be concerned with my growth as a person.”
One issue that concerned Madison was how she would fit into the Ducks’ offense. She knew how talented Bell was. The two had faced each other during high school and club volleyball seasons.
Madison didn’t want to sit on the bench or play a different position for three years while she waited for Bell to graduate.
“It’s great to play (defensive specialist), but I want to set,” Madison said. “I’m not trying to be selfish, but I’ve been training to do that my whole life. That’s my identity, and I want to play my position.”
The Ducks currently run a 5-1 offense, which features five attackers and one setter. Ferreira had hoped to switch to a 6-2 offense, which features six attackers while rotating setters, but said Oregon doesn’t possess the depth at the attacking positions necessary to run the 6-2 scheme.
Ferreira added that Madison isn’t happy about her reduced roll but has handled the situation well.
“You do some soul searching when you’re so used to having an active role in the success of your program,” Ferreira said of Madison. “But there’s a lot of collegiate athletes in the (Pacific-10 Conference) that are where they come from, (but go through) a first-year adjustment phase.”
The majority of Madison’s playing time this season has been as a defensive specialist, but during practice, Bell and Madison give each other tips on setting.
“We’ve both learned so much from each other,” Bell said. “I’ve learned so much from her work ethic. I’ve had a year under my belt so I try to help her with her decision making.”
Even though Madison hasn’t made the impact she wants to on the court, she has made a huge impact on her teammates off the court.
“Maddie has been an inspiration to me,” freshman middle blocker Kristen Bitter said. “She’s one of the hardest working girls I’ve ever met. And if it’s not help in the gym, it’s help off the court. She’s been my support system, and she’s definitely the one that will come pick you up if it looks like you’re having a bad day.”
Entering tonight’s match against UCLA, Madison is second behind Bell with 96 assists. She’s played in 46 of the team’s 61 games and has contributed when possible. Even though it’s not what she expected coming out of high school, Madison continues to work hard in practice and understands that her time will come.
“You can’t put a yardstick on a kid’s heart,” Ferreira said. “Heather Madison has an enormous heart. She was very deserving of the high school accolades she received, and what we’d like to do is get her recognized as a collegiate athlete.”
Maybe then she’ll be back on top of the world.