Tuesday, 27 October 2026, 6:16
For most collegiate athletes, the end of a season signals rest and recovery. For Long Beach State junior Madi Maxwell, it simply marks a transition from hardwood courts to sandy beaches. As a dedicated dual-sport athlete, she splits her year between indoor and beach volleyball, bringing elite-level performance to both programs.
Representing Long Beach State across two distinct seasons requires relentless commitment. While indoor volleyball features five players per side relying on specialized positions, beach volleyball operates with just two athletes covering the entire court. This shift demands a higher basketball-like IQ for spatial awareness and decision-making. Despite the physical toll, Maxwell embraces the challenge because the contrasting styles sharpen her overall game.
The crossover benefits are evident in her current statistics. Through twelve matches this indoor season, Maxwell has recorded seventy-seven kills, ranking third on the squad. Her playmaking ability shines with three hundred forty-seven assists, while her defensive prowess netted one hundred sixty-two digs. These numbers contributed to consecutive Big West Setter of the Week awards and a Defensive Player of the Week honor in late September.
They actually work hand in hand because I am able to bring what I learn in beach to indoor, and I am able to bring what I learned during indoor to beach, said Maxwell.
Maxwell officially began playing volleyball at age eleven after spending her early childhood focused on soccer. Since joining the program nearly a decade ago, she has transformed into a cornerstone athlete for the university. Her journey highlights how adapting to different environments builds versatility. Playing alongside only one partner on the sand forces constant communication and comprehensive skill execution, which translates directly to structured indoor rotations.
Off the court, Maxwell emphasizes that chemistry drives competitive success. She notes that small bonding moments, like casual coffee runs or shared entertainment nights, strengthen trust during high-pressure rallies. This family-oriented atmosphere reflects why she chose Long Beach State initially. She felt an immediate connection to the supportive community and surrounding people, describing the environment as open arms.
Long Beach remains a premier destination for collegiate athletics in Southern California. The vibrant coastal city provides a unique backdrop for student-athletes balancing rigorous academic schedules with championship-level training. Programs at Long Beach State consistently attract top talent nationwide, reinforcing the region reputation as a hub for volleyball excellence. Maxwell represents this proud tradition while mentoring younger players who look up to her work ethic.
Long Beach State established its volleyball programs decades ago, building a legacy of national competitiveness. The university pioneered beach volleyball long before it became an NCAA sport, creating a blueprint for dual-sport development. Former athletes often cite the institution as a launching pad for professional careers overseas or in major domestic leagues.
As the indoor season progresses, Maxwell continues setting the standard for consistency and leadership. Her ability to thrive in two demanding formats showcases the depth of talent within the Pacific Coast athletic landscape. Fans following Long Beach State can expect continued growth from a player who treats every practice as preparation for the next match.
