The Bulldogs get top uncommitted 2019 setter, Maddy Baxter!

<p><a href="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/IMG_5874.jpg"></a></p> <p><strong>Maddy Baxter</strong> has been on a roller coaster ride during her college search. She started the recruiting process early and more recently focused her attention to the Missouri Valley Conference knowing she wanted to be close to family and to compete at a high level. Baxter was persistent with Drake knowing that it fit all of her criteria. Baxter chose Drake for many reasons, "Immediately on my visit I felt welcomed and part of the family. They are a competitive team that wants to compete at a high level but also loves each other like family. Coach McBroom has turned the program around and has high goals for the future. It is close to home and I am so happy my family can come watch me play." </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> [caption id="attachment_21067" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Image-1.png"></a> Baxter at 14yrs old playing at AVA[/caption] <p>Baxter has played high level club for Adrenaline Volleyball Academy for 4years and will enter her 5th season with them this winter. Last year her team took 2nd in the nation and she was named to the All-tournament team. Baxter's club coach <strong>Marty Smith</strong> talks very highly of his setter, "Baxter is a genuine talent. She has the whole package, and can take over a match with her serving, defense and setting. There isn't a play she can't make or a set she can't run. Her variety of skills and talents makes her a steal for who ever gets her at the next level when she can use any of them to excel on the court." Club Director T<strong>im Keating</strong> added, " Baxter's on court leadership qualities in addition to her elite setting skills has put her in a position to complete at the next level. Drake has chosen a great athlete that comes from a tremendous family. We have been rewarded as a club by having Maddy with us since she was 14. We ask athletes to leave the program better than they found it, and she has succeeded."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/IMG_5894.jpg"></a></p> <p>Baxter has also had success at the high school level guiding her team to the state tournament. Cedar Rapids Jefferson has been picked as one of the top teams in the state across all classes. Coaches <strong>Will and Amy Norton</strong> commented about Maddy's commitment and time at Jefferson, " We couldn't be more happy that Maddy has verbally committed to Drake. We knew Maddy was going to be one of the big keys to success for Jefferson volleyball before she entered high school. Volleyball is truly her passion that has been clear from the beginning. To come in and set a 5-1 as a freshman in the MVC is no small feat, but what sets Maddy apart from many is her relentless work ethic and drive to make everyone else on the floor better. She has grown into a very effective setter with her fantastic decision making, as well as a crucial part of our defensive system. You add that to her tough jump float serve, and she really is a complete package." </p> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/IMG_3797.jpg"></a></p>