Blog: The Light of Aurora

Alum Highlight: Maddie McLaughlin, AWS '14

10:25 AM - September 19, 2024

Volleyball powerhouse Maddie McLaughlin, AWS ‘14, overcame a nearly three-year bout with Lyme disease to reach the pinnacle of her sport. The Orlando Valkyries’ Middle Blocker began at Division III in Geneseo before being recruited to D-I Arizona State University, ending her NCAA career with 109 blocks. McLaughlin shared her insights on athletics and the lasting impact AWS has had on her career.

Tell us about your time at AWS. What lasting impact did it have on you?

My time at AWS not only introduced me to sports in a holistic way, but it also taught me to fall in love with the learning process. It left me with the understanding that everyone approaches and demonstrates growth in a different way and at a different rate; trying to standardize growth is antithetical to how human beings operate.

How do you find yourself referencing your AWS experience in your adult life?

I’m constantly referencing my AWS education when talking about the growing impact of screens on our ability to interact with other people and the world. Waldorf helped me to fully appreciate the magic of real social engagement and inspired me to avoid social media entirely, despite the enormous pressure of my peers and my career to get it.

How was your transition from AWS into high school? What advice would you offer our new graduates?

Hard question to answer given my illness that occurred around that time, but I would advise them to fully embrace the unique beauty of their education. Their experience has primed them to approach life with a curiosity and a skillset that most people around them won’t have. At first it can be daunting to stand out, but I learned that the most successful people are the people who are willing to be different.

How did you launch your athletic career?

AWS introduced me to sports in 6th grade, and I will forever be grateful that the curriculum waits until that age to start competitive athletics. Athletes are pushed to specialize at earlier and earlier ages which is leading to injuries and burnout, both of which I’ve seen a tremendous amount of in my teammates at all levels. Gym class at AWS comprised dozens of sports, allowing my body to experience countless different motor patterns that prepared me to specialize much later after my body had developed holistically.

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of overcoming my illness and becoming a professional athlete when many people told me it wasn’t possible.

What are you most passionate about?

I am most passionate about helping people discover what they want and then overcome self-doubt or the doubt of others to pursue their dreams.

Your tenacity through years of struggle with Lyme disease, returning to sports, and your unlikely jump from D-III to D-I: How did you keep yourself motivated to follow your dreams despite those setbacks?

As simple as it sounds, there is quite literally nothing else I want to do than compete at the highest level possible. My illness only further galvanized my resilience, and my experience at AWS gave me the faith that everyone runs their own race. My race happened to take a detour, but my ability to succeed wasn’t determined by where or when I started, which, in my opinion, is the most important lesson Waldorf taught me.

How was it for you to move across the country as a junior to Arizona and join a new team?

It was easily one of the most terrifying and exhilarating things I’ve ever done! Going from Division III to Division I and the PAC-12 fulfilled a lifelong dream but also took a lot of courage. As mentioned above, it required plenty of reminders that I was at a different stage of my athletic development than my peers, which was okay. My success there came from my work ethic and faith in the growth process.

You recently completed your first season with the Orlando Valkyries, a team in the Professional Volleyball Federation. What are your future goals, plans, and hopes?

I hope to play at the highest levels of volleyball for as long as I can.

Do you have any thoughts to share with those considering Waldorf education?

A common misconception about Waldorf is that it doesn’t adequately prepare kids for “the real world.” But the “real world” is filled with adolescents who are increasingly out of touch with the natural world, the people around them, and themselves. Waldorf is the ultimate remedy for this.