Madi Barnes
Choctaw High School
By Bryce McKinnis
Madi Barnes, a Choctaw High School volleyball player, strives to glorify God in her sport.
“When I step on the court, I focus on playing for an audience of one,” the CHS senior said. “He is where I get my strength.”
Barnes, an Oklahoma Baptist University commit, has led a spectacular career playing for the Yellowjackets.
“Madi is an ambidextrous setter and nightside hitter,” CHS head coach Taryn Weber said. “Madi works really hard on and off the court, she runs a very effective offense but can also be a weapon as a hitter. Madi is a winner and wants to win at all costs. Her goal is to make it to state and battle with her team this year!”
Those aren’t her only goals.
“My expectations for this season are to win conference for the ninth year in a row, to hit 1,000 assists and finish this season with a winning record,” Barnes said. “It’s going to take a lot of perseverance, focus and teamwork to accomplish these goals.”
Last offseason, Barnes led her club team to an AAU Nationals win in Florida.
“It was such a cool experience,” Barnes said. “We ended up losing one of our pool play games on day one, which put us in a crossover match with the No. 1 seed, and we ended up beating them and making it to the championship, where we faced Oklahoma Peak and beat them in three sets.”
Barnes brought more than a trophy back to Oklahoma from Florida.
“I learned that sometimes taking a loss early can put you in a better position in the long run,” Barnes said. “I think that the leadership I was shown and taught by other teammates and knowledge of what it takes to win will really help me throughout this season.”
Barnes is not only one of the team’s most talented seniors but a team captain. The role comes with several responsibilities.
“Showing the younger ones what is expected, keeping the team focused and working hard while also making sure everyone is happy are just a few things that I have to navigate,” Barnes said. “I’m more of a vocal leader. I lead by keeping everyone in line and explaining why we do things we do and am not afraid to call anyone out for not doing what’s expected.”
Barnes also serves as CHS’ Student Council Parliamentarian Officer and enjoys any writing classes. Sports are one way to serve her greater purpose, but being a leader is another God-given gift she utilizes.
“Every sport I’ve played, I’ve been put in a leadership role, and taking control just comes naturally,” Barnes said. “I am also very narrow minded when it comes to getting things done and doing it the right way.”
School pride is another important facet of Barnes’ high school experience.
“To me, being a Choctaw Yellowjacket means I live by the G.O.L.D Standard,” Barnes said. “School pride is very important to me. I think that if we work to keep our school clean and doing well in academics and sports, that it will boost the overall morale of our community.”
She lists her favorite memory as sweeping rival Carl Albert at home last year. At OBU, Barnes will study sports medicine and food studies and hopes to become a dietitian for a sports team after college.
