Alana Mader was a key figure in turning around the fortunes of Iola High’s volleyball program.
She hopes to do the same once she enters college.
The two-time All-Pioneer League volleyball player signed a letter of intent Wednesday to continue her playing days at Tabor College.
“I just loved their team chemistry,” Mader said.
Truth be told, Tabor could have used Mader’s talents last season, head coach Adam Brewster admitted.
“We really needed someone like her,” he said. “When you’re going into April and May and find a middle with her potential, it’s exciting.”
Mader became a dominating force in the middle for the Mustangs, averaging 4.0 kills and 1.6 blocks per set as a senior and 3.0 kills and 1.5 blocks per set as a junior, good enough to earn all-league recognition both seasons.
After Iola picked up seven and six wins when Mader was an underclassmen, she helped lead the Mustangs to a combined 43 wins over the next two years.
She credits her teammates, including several outgoing seniors who played alongside Mader frequently since they were freshmen.
“It really helped our team chemistry,” she said. “We work well together. We don’t have to stutter-step, because we know we can trust each other.”
If there was any trepidation to playing volleyball, it’s that Mader was also enjoying her time on the hardwood during basketball season.
“I’ve always tried to just focus on the sport I was in at the time,” she explained. (Mader also is a starting outfielder on Iola’s softball team this spring.)
But in the end, she realized her passion lies on the volleyball court.
“I’m better at it, and I just like the game more,” Mader said. “I feel like I have more involvement.”
A recruiting trip to the Tabor campus in Hillsboro helped seal the deal.
“Coach loved me,” she recalled. “He told everybody, ‘Be good to this girl. I really want her to come play for us.’”
