Emily Rice
Sadie Gladhill signs her National Letter of Intent to continue her volleyball career at Buffalo University.
On February 5, Sadie Gladhill signed her National Letter of intent to play volleyball at the collegiate level at the University of Buffalo in New York.
Gladhill has been on the Linganore High School (LHS) varsity girls’ volleyball team all four years of high school and intends to further her education and sports career through lots of hard work at Buffalo.
During her signing, LHS P.E.teacher and girls’ varsity volleyball coach Andrea Poffinberger spoke on Gladhill’s dedication to the team and the drastic improvements she made as a player throughout her time playing at Linganore.
“I’ve had the privilege to coach Sadie since her freshman year […] and since then the shift in Sadie the athlete has changed dramatically,” Poffinberger said.
She has been the starting libero since her freshman year and her main goals playing in college include getting a starting spot on the roster and continuing to grow her love for the game.
Gladhill chose to attend the University of Buffalo mainly due to their supportive coaching staff, the resources available to the athletes, and the feeling of home she encountered when talking to the other girls on the team.
“I think the mental part of the game is a huge aspect that some coaches don’t take into consideration,” Gladhill said. “I knew with them coaching me I would thrive there.”
Gladhill is undecided about her major, but expects a smooth transition at Buffalo. She is confident in being able to seamlessly balance her class schedule with practices and games. She believes separating her volleyball life and her school work will be how she will maintain grades and make sure her work is finished on time. This is one of the supports Buffalo provides its athletes.
“At Buffalo, our classes are designed around our schedule, and we have people to help us if we get behind,” Gladhill said.
Gladhill’s parents have supported her on and off the court throughout her whole athletic journey. Though Gladhill has grown as an athlete, she has faced many trials and tribulations along the way. She did not let these setbacks hold her back.
“She had tried to make this travel team when she was 13, 14 and 15 and didn’t get in those years, but she kept working hard then she made the team when she was 16 and has been on it ever since,” said Gladhill’s motherJen Gladhill.
Sadie Gladhill’s determination over the years allowed her to reach her goals. With her commitment to the University of Buffalo, she is now pursuing her dream of playing volleyball in college.