By Ryan Pickens

At the heart of every athletic journey lies a story of inspiration and support, often found in the most unexpected places. For Utah Valley women's volleyball player Madi Standifird, that love and support came from a quick hug and conversation with Weber State's starting setter, her sister, Kate (Standifird) Payne, who has had a front row seat to Madi's entire volleyball career.
 
Kate finished a standout career at Weber State, helping the Wildcats to two Big Sky regular season titles, a pair of tournament titles, while tallying the second-most assists in program history and third most digs. The two-time All-Big Sky First Team selection helped WSU earn their first-ever NCAA Tournament win. Kate went on to join the volleyball staff ahead of this season and is spending her first year on the bench for the Wildcats.
 
When Madi and Kate faced off on the volleyball court for the first time as college athletes, it was a moment filled with anticipation and excitement. The unique experience of competing against each other was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. The crowd shared in the excitement and the atmosphere was electric.
 
"It was honestly one of the most special games I've ever played," Madi said. "We were just smiling and smirking at each other the whole time. Trash talk was involved, obviously, because we were competitive like that growing up."
 
In the third set, UVU head coach Sam Atoa put Madi into the game where she had a kill on her only attempt late in the third set. It was the second career kill for Madi, who tallied her first at the Kristen Dickmann Invitational in Annapolis against Maryland.
 
For Madi, this game was not just about the competition, it was about the bond she shared with her sister. Playing against Kate was an opportunity to showcase the skills and determination they had honed together over the years.
 
The Standifird family met after the match in Swenson Gym with their parent's sporting shirts with both numbers on one side in green and the other in purple. They have balanced challenging travel schedules of two student-athletes. When UVU was at the conference tournament last season in Arlington, they quickly jetted off to Sacramento to catch the Big Sky tournament. They did it again when both were playing in the National Invitational Volleyball Championship, when they went from Laramie, Wyo., before turning around to jump on a plane to Tucson, Ariz., to catch what was Kate's last collegiate match.
 
Madi's journey in volleyball began in the most unassuming of places – her front yard. As a young girl, she would watch her older sister, Kate, play the sport and emulate her every move. The two sisters spent countless hours practicing together, whether it was in the front yard or in their church building.
 
Madi and Kate's relationship goes beyond the confines of a typical sibling bond. It is a connection that has shaped Madi's volleyball career in profound ways, guiding her through the highs and lows of the sport.
 
These early days of playing and practicing with Kate laid the foundation for Madi's volleyball career. It was during these moments that she developed her skills and learned the intricacies of the game. "I wouldn't be the athlete I am now without her," Madi said. "Our time practicing together and her mentorship has saved me multiple times throughout my journey."
 
As Madi progressed in her volleyball career, she knew she could always count on her sister's support. Kate, who had experienced the challenges of playing collegiate volleyball, became a source of guidance and encouragement for Madi.
 
"She understands what it's like to play in college," Madi said. "When things would get frustrating and I was on the verge of just crashing, she was always someone I could rely on for anything."  Kate's unwavering belief in Madi's abilities served as a constant reminder that she was capable of achieving greatness, even when others doubted her due to her height.
 
The 5-foot-10 inch outside hitter committed to Utah Valley after playing at Skyridge High School in Lehi. Her playing time has not always been consistent, but she has sparked some of Utah Valley's comebacks and wins when it has mattered most, like in the 2024 match against her sister and the Wildcats. Madi came off the bench to tally a career-high 12 kills, ten digs, while adding an assist, and an ace to even the score against her sister. It was the first career double-double for her and the first win for UVU over Weber State since the 2016 season.
 
The game opened the door for Madi to step in later that season. When UVU needed her due to injuries, she stepped up on the outside and tallied 13 kills against Seattle U and 14 kills later in the same week against California Baptist. Both were career-highs and both ended in Wolverine victories. During UVU's annual Wolverine awards she was named Walk-on Athlete of the Year.
 
Madi's journey in volleyball and in life has been profoundly shaped by her sister's love and support. Kate's impact goes beyond the court, as she has played a pivotal role in Madi's development as an athlete and as a person.
 
"She's always impacted my volleyball career, whether it be when I first started or even now, and it was all for the better," Madi said.
 
The bond between Madi and Kate is a testament to the power of sibling relationships in shaping one's journey. Their story reminds us that behind every athlete, there is often a network of support and inspiration that propels them to achieve their dreams.
 
For Madi Standifird, that network begins and ends with her sister, Kate, who has been her guiding light on and off the volleyball court.