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When she was in elementary school in Seymour and Brownstown, Madison Turner began going to volleyball camps.

From there, the senior’s love for the sport grew.

“Sixth grade, that was the first team I started playing on,” Turner said.

This fall, Turner finished her second season playing on the Brownstown Central varsity team.

“I play right side defense, and I hit left side sometimes, too,” Turner said. “It just depends on what’s going for the team at the time. My job is to stay on the setter and make sure she can’t dump when she is in the front row. That is a big responsibility outside.”

At the net, Turner looks for the openings.

“Hitting, you have to find the holes on the other side of the court and place the ball and attack where the other team can’t pick them up,” Turner said. “It’s a lot about knowing where the other team’s defense is.”

Turner said it takes teamwork to be successful, and if the back row can’t make a good pass to the setter and the Braves have a fee ball, everybody has to make a quick adjustment.

“The setter calls the plays, but if there is a bad pass or something, we have to know what we can do to switch off the play and play a free ball,” she said.

With quick points, it requires the Braves to adjust in-game on the fly.

“The setter can place the ball anywhere on the court, so you have to know just what she’s thinking and sometimes that is difficult,” Turner said.

In athletics, Turner feels that keeping a strong mental game is key.

“Mental attitude is everything because with a bad attitude you won’t be able to make plays,” Turner said. “You have to have a good attitude to be able to pick up balls and communicate well with the team.”

During points, Turner feels that it requires communication from the entire team to have success.

“Without communication, (winning) volleyball could not happen,” Turner said. “You have to talk with the team, and you have to get along. Volleyball is completely mental. You have to have a good, strong head.”

For Turner, results start in practice.

“We watched a lot of game film, and we practiced hard to learn new plays,” Turner said.

Turner said she enjoyed playing club ball in Hope, where one of her Braves teammates,  Cassidy Sawyer, also played.

“Playing club ball, you learn a lot,” Turner said. “You play for other coaches, and you get to meet other girls, too. It also helps with your teamwork and getting to know other people. Club ball really helps.”

[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”At a glance” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]

Parents: Sonya and Trent Turner

Sibling: Meghan

Sports: volleyball 4 years, softball 2 years

Athletic highlight: volleyball, MSC champions 2014

Organizations: National Honor Society, Booster Club

Plans after high school: Attend IUPUI, study to be an ultrasound technician

Favorite food: Taco salad

Favorite TV show: “Criminal Minds”

Favorite musician: Luke Bryan

Favorite movie: “The Blind Side”

Favorite team: Indianapolis Colts

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Q: Why is important to get a quick start in volleyball?

A: “I think it is very important to win the first set because it brings the momentum for the whole game. It encourages the team to keep playing and try hard if you have won the first set because you’ve got that win underneath your belt.”

Q: What’s your favorite part of athletics?

A: “My favorite part of being on the team was getting so close to all the girls. I’ve made a lot of friends and have enjoyed meeting new girls.”

Q: Do you enjoy attending Brownstown Central?

A: “I love being at Brownstown. I love all the people. The teachers, the staff is just wonderful. They are all so encouraging. The fans are great.”

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