Maddie Zache Picks the Roadrunners

Maddie Zache of Niles High School and Blue Volleyball Academy has signed her NJCAA Letter of Intent to play volleyball in the 1st Source Bank Fieldhouse for Head Coach Jenny Nate and the Roadrunners.

Nate said, "I am thrilled to welcome Maddie Zache to the SMC Volleyball Team.  Maddie is a hard worker, positive force, amazing athlete, and outstanding scholar.  Maddie has incredible court awareness, reads the opposing hitters, and brings positive energy to the court, classroom, and community.  She is not only an incredible libero but also an amazing teammate who helped lead her team to two District Championships in 2024 and 2025, was the top defensive player on the team, and also played club volleyball at Blue last year.  Maddie is the epitome of the kinds of players we look for to help us continue to build a positive, winning culture here at SMC."  

Niles Varsity Coach Abbie Harpenau added, "Maddie's energy and intensity is one of a kind.  Her hard work and dedication are inspiring to others.  Anyone who gets her to be a part of their team is blessed."

SMC Volleyball finished a memorable 2025 season with an impressive 29-9 record. The Roadrunners won the MCCAA Western Conference with an 11-1 mark, finished third in the entire MCCAA and qualified as the #2 seed in the Great Lakes District Tournament. SMC went 3-2 in the B bracket, finishing as runners-up to the #1 seed. Individual Roadrunners earned 16 conference and regional awards, including All-Freshman Team, All-Conference Honorable Mention, Second Team All-Conference, First Team All-Conference, All-MCCAA Team, All-Region Team, Player of the Year and Coach of the Year.