RMR’s Madlen Gloessner Makes History on First U17 National Team

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Gloessner shares insights from a phone interview about making first ever U17 National Team.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When the first ever <a href="https://usavolleyball.org/story/usa-volleyball-announces-first-ever-girls-u17-national-team/">U17 National Team Roster dropped,</a> one name stood out for Colorado volleyball- <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/madlen-gloessner/">[player_tooltip player_id='750205' first='Madlen' last='Gloessner']</a> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lakewood and Norco Jrs VBC sophomore earned her spot among the country's best, becoming the only athlete from the Rocky Mountain Region and the entire western U.S. to make the roster heading to Costa Rica for the 2025 NORCECA Qualifier for a chance to earn a bid to the World Championships.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">From Colorado Courts to the National Stage</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Gloessner, the moment was surreal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>"It's really crazy- I never expected it, especially since California is such a volleyball state." </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She was helping her Lakewood JV team warmup, when her mom had told her the news. The first person Gloessner wanted to speak to was her best friend, Maya who had also made the team- a shared dream had become a reality. It marked a major milestone for both athletes, but for Gloessnar, it also symbolizes something bigger- a chance to represent Colorado on an international stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Breaking the Mold</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Standing tall and confident, Gloessner has made a name for herself not just through size, but through presence. During the selection process, what she thought helped her stand out most wasn't just physical ability- it was her impact as a teammate. "At the USA Volleyball National Team Development Program I always cheered everyone on, and volunteered for demos to help the new people understand what was going on. That was really important for me to do." That selfless approach combined with her natural athleticism and composure, has turned her into one of the region's fastest rising prospects.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Dream That Found Her</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Interestingly, making a national team wasn't always on Gloessner's radar, and she didn't know it was an option at a young age. "I played two years up, and I was never really the star player on the team-just really tall. So when I got my first invite to the USA Development Program, my dad actually thought it was a scam." What began as a unexpected invitation, quickly became a passion and challenge she was determined to take on. Over time, her focus shifted from simply competing to refining every part of her game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Leveling Up Through National Training</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Training with the NTDP has brought new challenges. "Serving-especially topspin- has been interesting," she said. "And everyone does everything." Gloessner has evolved significantly in the past year, especially with running slides and location setting. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Madlen also talks about how competing alongside top players pushes her. "Texas volleyball is a different level," she said. "Since I am the only one from Colorado, I put in extra work outside of practice to stay on top of my game." That extra effort is what keeps her game evolving at the highest level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Preparing for Costa Rica</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the NORCECA Qualifier just ahead, Gloessner is ready to embrace her journey. "I'm excited for high-level volleyball," Madlen said. "In club, you play the same teams all the time. This will be new- new players, a whole different game internationally."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She is also looking forward to playing with her teammates from all across the country and continuing those connections to represent Team USA. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Perspective and Purpose</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Madlen hopes her journey inspires younger players in the Rocky Mountain Region. "Progress is everything," she said. "You don't have to be perfect, and you don't have to be the best when you are young. Just develop habits and keep pushing yourself." Every step of Gloessner's journey reminds others that greatness isn't about being the best early- it is about getting better every day. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When asked about her favorite part of this journey so far, her answer came easily: "The people. I love volleyball but it's the connections that make it special."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking ahead to Costa Rica and beyond, Madlen is keeping her focus simple. "I want to play my best volleyball and give myself grace," she said. "Everyone there is really good, and not every swing will be a kill. I just need to have faith in myself." When talking about future goals Madlen wants to hit more "ones". </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For younger players watching Madlen's journey, her message is clear through example: progress &gt; perfection. Her steady climb from club in Colorado to the U17 National Team proves that being a good teammate, dedication, consistency, and putting progress over perfection can take you far- even all the way to the international stage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->