Filling the void at libero following the graduation of Lauren Lynch wasn’t going to be easy, especially against Mater Dei’s power hitters. But Zaragoza rose to the occasion, anchoring the backcourt with 14 digs and keeping the Trailblazers in system. Her serving was just as impactful, delivering four aces that helped spark a comeback in the second set when Sierra Canyon trailed by five.

Zaragoza remains uncommitted and is seeking to compete at the next level. She’s looking for a collegiate program that values excellence and fun while demanding consistency and focus — the same qualities she brings to every match. Zaragoza will be playing club this season for City Volleyball Club 17 Gold

Currently ranked number seven among defensive specialists in the 2026 class, Zaragoza leads through her calm control of the floor and sharp court awareness. She focuses on keeping her teammates connected through communication and quick read-and-react adjustments. Maddie emphasizes consistent defense and serving, stating, “I will defend my court vigorously,” while showing reliability in serve-receive and a steady presence in pressure moments. Her approach reflects discipline, preparation, and a deep understanding of team balance.

She is seeking a winning collegiate culture that values excellence and fun while demanding consistency and focus. “We as a team can do anything if we put our hearts and mind to it.” Off the court, she plays a key role in team unity for Sierra Canyon, keeping teammates Kendall Omoruyi Kendall Omoruyi 6'4" | MB/OH Sierra Canyon | 2027 State CA , Lucky Fasavalu Lucky Fasavalu 5'8" | S Sierra Canyon | 2027 State #67 Nation CA , Evangeline Jeffries Evangeline Jeffries 6'2" | OH Sierra Canyon | 2027 State #35 Nation CA , and McKenna McIntosh McKenna McIntosh 6'1" | OH Sierra Canyon School | 2027 State #15 Nation CA connected. Zaragoza’s leadership extends beyond the game, showing her commitment to every detail of competition. She will next compete in the Quarterfinals on October 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM when Sierra Canyon faces Temecula Valley.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Links:
📸 Instagram: @maddiezaragozavolleyball
🎯 SportsRecruits: Madeleine “Maddie” Zaragoza Madeleine “Maddie” Zaragoza 5'10" | DS/L Sierra Canyon School | 2026 State CA
🎓 NCSA Profile: View Here
📊 PrepDig Profile: Madeleine “Maddie” Zaragoza Madeleine “Maddie” Zaragoza 5'10" | DS/L Sierra Canyon School | 2026 State CA
📈 MaxPreps Stats: Sierra Canyon Trailblazers – Maddie Zaragoza

Maddie has been steadily carving out her place as a backcourt leader, and I’ve had the opportunity to follow her path closely. She has proven herself ready to handle the pace of high-level competition, defending against strong attackers while also learning alongside teammates already committed to the next level. What stands out is her consistency and readiness to step into a college program.

Her voice was also featured in California Dominates on Championship Day at Durango Fall Classic, where she earned All-American recognition. “Currently I’m focused on my high school season and continuing to perform at a high level, while also prioritizing my academics during my senior year,” Maddie said. “I’m eager to connect with and commit to a volleyball program at a mid to large university that is looking for a libero ready to contribute.” Sierra Canyon finished 2nd at Durango. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Congratulations Madeleine “Maddie” Zaragoza, Uncommitted, on being named to the All-Tournament Team at the Durango Fall Classic in Nevada.

Maddie has been competing alongside teammates who are already committed to colleges while defending against high-powered attackers across the net. When I followed up with her about playing at the next level, she shared, “Currently I’m focused on my high school season and continuing to perform at a high level, while also prioritizing my academics during my senior year. I’m eager to connect with and commit to a volleyball program at a mid to large university that is looking for a libero ready to contribute.”

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Maddie Zaragoza, a Class of 2026 libero for City Gold 17-1 and Sierra Canyon Varsity Volleyball, is looking forward to showcasing two of her strongest skills, serve receive and serving.

Her goals are clear and team-focused: to help her team win their division by giving maximum effort and contributing in every way she can.

Maddie trains consistently, attending strength and conditioning sessions three times a week through Sierra Canyon during the school year. She also commits to weekly private libero training with elite coaches to fine-tune her technique. Alongside her physical preparation, she prioritizes nutrition to fuel her performance.

What sets Maddie apart is her relentless hustle, technical consistency, and ability to make early reads allowing her to position herself effectively and make meaningful touches that keep her team in system. Her dedication to doing the little things right reflects the kind of dependable libero college coaches can trust on the court. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Maddie is a defensive queen, quick to transition and cover ground with remarkable efficiency. Her athleticism shines as she flows seamlessly into position, ensuring that balls are kept playable and within reach. With lightning reflexes and an instinctive sense of timing, she anticipates plays and disrupts opponents’ attacks, making her an invaluable asset to Sierra Canyon’s defensive strategy. Maddy’s ability to maintain a strong foundation in the backcourt enhances her team’s defensive structure, allowing her teammates to feel confident and secure. As she continues to refine her skills and build on her impressive game sense, Maddy is solidifying her reputation as a key player who elevates her team’s overall performance. ~ Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig

Maddie is a standout 2026 Libero/Defensive Specialist who plays for Sunshine Volleyball Club and Sierra Canyon High School. Known for her quick reflexes and defensive prowess, Maddie had a breakout performance at the AAU Nationals in Florida this past club season. Her team battled fiercely, securing a 3rd place finish with an impressive 10-2 record in the tournament. Her performance was instrumental in her team’s success, showcasing her ability to excel under pressure and her knack for reading the game effectively.

Maddie plays with a quick confidence that clearly stems from her rigorous training at the lab. Her ability to anticipate plays and react swiftly to opponents’ moves is a testament to her dedication and work ethic. Watching Maddie in action on the court, it’s evident that she possesses the reaction time and instincts of a Division I libero, making her a formidable force on the court.

Currently, Maddie is focusing on enhancing her agility, reaction time, and leg strength. Her commitment to improving these key aspects of her game demonstrates her desire to compete at the highest levels of collegiate volleyball. Off the court, she puts in the work that becomes evident during live play, consistently striving for excellence.

Her dedication to continuous improvement and her passion for the game make Maddie an exciting prospect for any college volleyball program. She consistently displays leadership qualities and a team-first mentality, inspiring her teammates with her energy and enthusiasm. Her ability to make clutch plays and her tenacity on the court are qualities that will greatly benefit any collegiate team. — Michelle Bamford @ Prep Dig