Madison Gardner was born in Vernon, B.C., and grew up surrounded by volleyball. Her parents actually met playing beach volleyball, so the sport was always a part of her life.
Her earliest memories are of her and sisters watching her parents play. She loved the sport but never saw herself playing competitively. It was not until grade six that her parents encouraged her to try out for a club team in Vernon. At the time, she had little experience and even less confidence.
"I tried out with no experience," Madison said. "I ended up getting cut, and I wanted to quit and never play volleyball again." It was a tough moment for a young athlete—but her parents would not let her walk away so easily. They knew how valuable volleyball could be, not just physically, but in building character and determination. So instead of quitting, Madison joined the team as a redshirt. "I was miserable," she admitted. "I didn't get along with my teammates because they were older and more skilled than me." It was an isolating experience, but it taught her to be patient and to trust the process.
The following season, everything changed when her dad stepped in to coach the club team. The familiarity and family support transformed her relationship with the game. "I started to fall in love with the sport, and I owe that to my family," she said. "I was given so much support and dedication from both of my parents. They truly want the best for me and they are willing to do whatever it takes."
As Madison continued to grow and develop her skills, her mindset shifted. She did not just want to play—she wanted to win. "Winning is so fun," she said. "I love to compete. It's almost addictive." By the time she reached high school, her drive was stronger than ever. Volleyball was no longer something she was just doing for fun—it was something she saw herself pursuing long-term.
After high school, that passion carried her to the next level. In the Fall of 2021, Madison joined the UBCO Heat women's volleyball team after being recruited by head coach Steve Manuel. "It was a no-brainer recruiting Madie," said Manuel. "She was a good local athlete with tons of potential."
But university volleyball brought a new set of challenges. Before the season even started, Madison was redshirted. "It was a hard shift going from being an all-star in high school to not seeing the court in my first year," she said. "But I saw it as a good learning experience before competing against more experienced university players."
Even though she wasn't playing, Madison was determined to contribute. "One thing I learned from that setback during my rookie year is that there is always something you can do for your team, even if you're not on the court or wearing a jersey." She supported her teammates in practice, on the bench, and in the locker room, finding new ways to add value.
Madison expected to spend her first few years developing in the background, but her opportunity came sooner than she expected.
On October 22, 2022, during an away game in Regina, starting middle Natalie Funk went down with a sprained ankle mid game. Madison was subbed in unexpectedly, with little time to prepare. She stayed calm and focused and delivered. Madison had two blocks in that game—the most on the team.
That opportunity marked a turning point. Madison earned a spot in the starting lineup and continued to impress. However, playing nonstop came with a price. With a lack of depth at the middle position, Madison took on a heavy workload, and the constant jumping began to wear her down physically. She developed shin splints, and the pain worsened as the season went on. "I didn't want to give up," she said. "I was finally getting my opportunity, and I did not want to let it go."
She took some time off over the holiday break, hoping the rest would help. "Being a middle blocker in Canada West is not an easy job," said Coach Manuel. But when she returned in January, the pain was still there, and she reached her breaking point. "I just couldn't do it anymore," she said. She was put in a walking boot, and physiotherapists told her that if she had continued pushing, she risked fracturing her shins. The news hit Madison hard. After working so hard to earn her spot, she was sidelined once again.
"Being injured and unable to play was frustrating," she said. "Especially after finally proving I could compete at that level."
Despite playing only half the season, Madison's impact had been undeniable. Near the end of the season, she received a call from Coach Manuel with surprising news: she had been named to the Canada West All-Rookie Team. "I couldn't believe it," she said. "It meant so much to be recognized after everything I'd gone through." She finished her rookie season with 49 sets played, 56 kills, 40 blocks, and 19 aces—numbers that reflected her determination and talent.
Fast forward to now, Madison has just completed her third season with the Heat. She's continued to grow, both as a player and as a leader. This past season, she tallied 68 kills, 46 total blocks, and 22 aces.
As she enters her final year with the program, her outlook is clear. "Honestly, I just want to have fun and enjoy every moment," Madison said. "This is the last university volleyball experience I'm ever going to have. I want to make the most of it, because I'll never get this opportunity again."
Madison's journey has not been easy, but it has made her who she is. From being cut in her first tryout to becoming a Canada West all-rookie selection in one of the toughest conferences in the country, her story is one of resilience, growth, and heart.
As she gets ready for her final season, one thing is certain: she's going to leave it all on the court and not take a single minute for granted.
